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 Maldi-Tof 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.