Microbial Analysis by MALDI-TOF

The visionary dream that changed microbiology

Advancing microbiology: the power of MALDI-TOF MS

In the dynamic field of microbiology, groundbreaking innovations have propelled our understanding of microorganisms. Among these, as the result of a visionary dream at Bruker, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight  Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) stands out today as the gold standard for microorganism identification.

The original - often imitated, never duplicated.

The MALDI Biotyper® - a revolution in microbiology

Identifying microorganisms at the species level is a critical task in microbiology. Traditionally, this involved labor-intensive and time-consuming biochemical assays. While modern sequencing technologies offer unparalleled precision, they remain slow and costly. 

More than two decades ago, a visionary dream ignited a journey of relentless innovation in the field of microbiology. With a bold objective of transforming the landscape, this revolutionary quest centers around the MALDI Biotyper®—a groundbreaking solution developed by Bruker. Harnessing a molecular-based mass spectrometric identification method, it surpasses traditional assays and sequencing, redefining the boundaries of what’s achievable. Ever since its introduction, the MALDI Biotyper® has truly revolutionized microorganism analysis. 

The MALDI Biotyper® is a microbial identification system based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, allowing unbiased identification of microorganisms within a few minutes down to the species level. The principle behind is straightforward; the MALDI Biotyper® determines the unique proteomic fingerprint of an unknown microorganism, and matches this characteristic pattern with an extensive reference library to determine the organism´s identity. Continuous expansion of the reference library ensures that a broad range of microorganisms can be identified easily. 

Within just a few years, the MALDI Biotyper® has become the worldwide leading solution for clinical microbiology, as well as for food, pharmaceutical and water testing.

 

Here’s why it changed microbiology 

  • Speed and efficiency: The MALDI Biotyper® accelerates identification, providing rapid results that save valuable time in critical scenarios. 
  • Cost-effective: Embrace accuracy yet say goodbye to expensive sequencing. Our method offers cost-efficient, reliable identification. 
  • Open microbiology concept: Seamlessly integrate the MALDI Biotyper® into any laboratory environment. It’s adaptable, user-friendly, and versatile. 
  • Applications beyond clinical microbiology: From water quality assessment to pharmaceutical and food testing, the MALDI Biotyper® leads the way. 

Bruker´s state-of-the art MALDI Biotyper® solutions 

Explore the forefront of technology with Bruker's state-of-the-art MALDI Biotyper® solutions — a culmination of over 40 years of expertise in mass spectrometry. As pioneers in MALDI-TOF technology, Bruker prioritizes the creation of robust, compact, high-performance platforms tailored for extensive use in microbiology laboratories.

The MALDI Biotyper® stands out as a modular system, offering customization to meet unique laboratory requirements. Bruker provides laboratories the flexibility to choose the microbial MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer that aligns with their specific needs. Continuous hardware advancements have led to the evolution of Bruker's benchtop MALDI Biotyper® system, now in its 4th generation. 

Introducing the MALDI Biotyper® sirius System, featuring Bruker's proprietary lifetime* smartbeam™ solid-state laser technology and positive as well as negative ion detection. The ability to analyze in negative ion mode broadens research applications, such as lipid analysis. System enhancements, including cutting-edge electronics and a high-performance vacuum system, facilitate rapid target exchange. The MALDI Biotyper® sirius one System features the same improvements while offering only positive ion mode.  

*Lifetime refers to 7 years or 500 million shots, whichever comes first.

A solution for every microbiology lab

The MALDI Biotyper® sirius Systems are available in four different solution packages. Please contact your local representative for availability in your country: 

IVD CE systems

  • For in vitro diagnostic identification of microorganisms originating from human specimens.  
    For professional use only. Not for sale in the USA.  

US IVD Systems

  • USA FDA clearance under Section 510(k) for the identification of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, anaerobic bacteria and yeast, cultured from human specimens. 
    Only for sale in the USA and Puerto RicoFor prescription use only. 

RUO Systems

  • For microorganism identification in research applications. 
    For Research use only. Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures. 

GP systems

  • For industrial applications such as Food, Veterinary, or Pharma environments. 
    Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures. 

MALDI Biotyper® Products and Solutions