What do farming and pharmaceuticals have in common? They both rely on microbial identification to prevent contamination outbreaks and ensure product requirements.
But what are some of the popular types of tests you can have performed on the material you send? In this article we’ll be covering some of the lab testing procedures you can run through microbial identification companies. Let’s get started!
Popular Types of Microbial Lab Testing
Typically, when identifying microbial properties in the material it’s helpful to get a combination of tests. In this section, we briefly go over some of the more popular types of lab testing. That way you get a good idea of what ID services you require.
DNA Sequencing
The best way to discover the levels of bacteria, yeast, and mold in your sample is through DNA sequencing.
With this type of testing genomic DNA is extracted from the organism you send in. The lab then uses fluorescent sequencing to determine the identity of microbial material at a molecular level.
MALDI-TOF
MALDI-TOF is an acronym that stands for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption – Ionization Time of Flight. The method of testing is preferred for identifying environmental bacteria and probiotics.
So, how does it work? By creating a subculture of the bacteria and suspending it within a matrix solution.
From there the MALDI device ionizes the bacteria. The remaining analytes are placed in the TOF chamber for acceleration. The resulting material is then analyzed using mass spectrometry.
FAME Testing
FAME is an acronym that stands for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester. This method of testing is particularly effective at distinguishing species in the Bacillus and Pseudomonas groups.
The recognition system that comes with the method can distinguish over 1500 different strains of bacteria and yeast.
Polyphasic Analysis
If you want to cover all of your bases, then you can’t go wrong with a polyphasic analysis. This method combines both phenotypic and genotypic methods of testing. The result is more confidence in the results.
It can also potentially isolate unique species of microbial material. This is exactly what happened when a polyphasic analysis of Purpureocillium lilacinum revealed a new species known as Purpureocillium lavendulum.
Soil Microbial Community Analysis Testing
The right balance of fungi and bacteria in soil is critical to proper plant growth. But how do you figure out the exact amount of lipids produced by these microbes?
With a PLFA (Phospholipid Fatty Acids) and NLFA (Neutral Lipid Fatty Acids) test. These tests extract lipids from the soil and give a snapshot of the biomass and bacterial community present.
Did You Like This Article? Keep Exploring to Find More Like It
We hope this article helped you learn more about the different types of microbial identification lab testing. Accurate testing can help give your product an official edge over the competition.
It can also help identify a potential outbreak of dangerous microbes before it’s too late. If you want more topics like this one, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more subject matter that you’re sure to love.