Use of Maldi-Tof MS biosensor in microbial assessment of Brazilian kefir grains

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Maldi-Tof MS biosensor in microbial assessment of Brazilian kefir grains. Maldi-Tof MS is a new methodology for the rapid diagnosis of microorganisms. A total of 358 microorganisms were isolated, 31 were yeasts and 327 were bacteria (divided into lactic and acetic bacteria). Microbial colonies were grown in Luria-Bertani agar medium and incubated at 35 °C for 18h and used in the identification of species by MaldiTof MS. The microbial population identified in Brazilian kefir grains was Lactobacillus paracasei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, and Acetobacter syzygii. This study demonstrated a rapid and accurate identification of the Brazilian kefir grains microorganisms using the Maldi-Tof MS biosensor. In conclusion, the Maldi-Tof MS technology can facilitate the microbiological control in a fermentation process using kefir grains as starter cultures.