title: Application of MALDI-TOF MS for the Identification of Food Borne Bacteria.
abstract: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the routine identification of clinical isolates. MALDI-TOF MS based identification of bacteria has been shown to be more rapid, accurate and cost-efficient than conventional phenotypic techniques or molecular methods. Rapid and reliable identification of food-associated bacteria is also of crucial importance for food processing and product quality. This review is concerned with the applicability of MALDI-TOF MS for routine identification of foodborne bacteria taking the specific requirements of food microbiological laboratories and the food industry into account. The current state of knowledge including recent findings and new approaches are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85354 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pavlovic
authors.affiliation: Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85354 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.affiliation: Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85354 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Konrad
authors.affiliation: Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85354 Oberschleißheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Busch
keywords: MALDI-TOF MS; bacteria; food isolates; food microbiology; species identification