MALDI-TOF Analysis at Biolytix AG

MALDI-TOF Analysis at Biolytix AG – Rapid microbial identification method with ISO 17025 accreditation –

Microbiological diagnostics have undergone enormous technological advances in recent years. One of the most significant innovations is MALDI-TOF analysis.

What is MALDI-TOF MS?

MALDI-TOF stands for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization – Time of Flight.

MALDI: The sample is mixed with a “matrix” and ionized by a laser (converted into charged particles).
TOF (Time of Flight): These ions travel through a measuring device at different speeds depending on their mass. Using mass spectrometry (MS), their mass can then be determined.

How is this analytical method used?

The MALDI-TOF method is used in our laboratory for the rapid and reliable identification of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
A characteristic protein pattern is generated from a pure cultured bacterial, yeast, or fungal culture and compared with a reference database of mass spectra. This database is highly comprehensive and contains spectra of all known pathogenic microorganisms as well as relevant microorganisms from food, nature and the environment, industry, research, and science.
Under suitable sample conditions, a microorganism can be identified within a very short time.

The advantages

High Speed – Results significantly faster than with conventional microbiological methods
Precise Microbial Identification – Identification down to species or even subspecies level through spectral comparison with the world’s largest microbial identification database
Cost-Effective Alternative – Economical alternative to complex conventional biochemical tests
Wide Range of Applications – Suitable for water, food, cleanroom, and environmental samples
Accredited Quality – Legally compliant and standardized results through accredited testing procedures

What does it mean that the method is performed within the accredited scope?

Performing MALDI-TOF analysis within the ISO 17025 accredited scope means:

validated and standardized testing procedures
documented quality assurance
traceability and standards-compliant processes
legally reliable results for authorities, audits, and certifications

For companies, public institutions, and healthcare facilities, this provides additional safety and reliability.

Biolytix AG is pleased to offer the MALDI-TOF method within the ISO 17025 accredited scope for samples from water, food, cleanrooms and production environments, hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as buildings, ventilation systems, and environmental sources.

Application Areas

💊 Pharma and MedTech:
Testing of product batches and cleanrooms for rapid microbiological assessment of purity and quality assurance of the production environment.

💧 Water Samples:
Analysis of drinking water, process water, or cooling water during routine monitoring, limit exceedances, or root cause investigations.

🧀 Food and Production:
Rapid identification of spoilage or contamination microorganisms within hygiene monitoring, HACCP concepts, and contamination traceability for quality management.

🏥 Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities:
Support for hygiene monitoring through precise identification of clinically relevant microorganisms from environmental or investigation samples.

🏢 Buildings and Environment:
Analysis of microbial contamination, such as mold investigations or environmental isolates, for sound risk assessment.

Conclusion

With the introduction of MALDI-TOF analysis within the accredited scope, we have expanded our analytical portfolio with a modern, efficient, and highly precise identification method.
For our customers, this means greater safety, faster decision-making, and the highest quality standards.
We would be pleased to advise you individually on the optimal analytical strategy and the possible applications for your specific field of use.

Your concerns are important to us.

Are you looking for answers? Do you have questions regarding water quality? Are you interested in analyses for hygiene self-monitoring or shelf life testing? From individual product testing and sampling to research projects – our team at Biolytix is here to assist you. Contact us today with your inquiry, and let us work together to find the solution.

MALDI-TOF Analysis at Biolytix AG