Primary research on identification of common probiotics by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Objective To establish the experimental method for identification of common probiotics by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight(MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry,and evaluate the applicability of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.Method Optimal experimental conditions were determined through studying the influence factors during the identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.The applicability of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was evaluated by protein fingerprinting of 19 experimental strains.Result Optimal experimental method for identification common probiotics by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was established.MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was able to identify common probiotics at genus,species,subspecies and strain levels.Conclusion The established experimental method,which has high stability and good reproducibility,may be used as a standardized protocol.MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry can be used as one of the methods for common probiotics identification.