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Rapid identification of environmental bacterial strains by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Author(s) -
Ruelle Virginie,
Moualij Benaissa El,
Zorzi Willy,
Ledent Philippe,
Pauw Edwin De
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.1584
Subject(s) - chemistry , mass spectrometry , chromatography , sample preparation , matrix (chemical analysis) , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , analytical chemistry (journal) , desorption , environmental chemistry , organic chemistry , adsorption
In recent years, various mass spectrometry procedures have been developed for bacterial identification. The accuracy and speed with which data can be obtained by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) could make this a powerful tool for environmental monitoring. However, minor variations in the sample preparation can influence the mass spectra significantly. Therefore, the first objectives of this study were the adjustment and the optimization of experimental parameters allowing a rapid identification of whole bacterial cells without laborious sample preparation. The tested experimental parameters were matrix, extraction solvent, salt content, deposition method, culture medium and incubation time. This standardized protocol was applied to identify reference and environmental bacterial strains of Escherichia coli , Salmonella and Acinetobacter. The environmental bacterial strains were isolated from sewage sludge using an original microextraction procedure based on repeated sonications and enzymatic treatments. The bacterial identification was realized by the observation of the respective genus‐, species‐ and strain‐specific biomarkers. This bacterial taxonomy could be completed within one hour, with minimal sample preparation, provided that sufficient bacteria had been collected prior to MALDI‐TOF analysis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.