Probiotics : our flow cytometry enumeration method is now available !

ACM Pharma launches a new probiotic enumeration service by flow cytometry, developed according to the recommendations of the NF ISO 19344:2015 standard. This method allows for a more detailed characterization of bacterial populations, notably distinguishing viable culturable bacteria, dead bacteria, and VBNC bacteria.

A new approach for probiotic control

Quality and stability control of probiotics has traditionally relied on the enumeration of microorganisms capable of developing under given culture conditions. Flow cytometry offers a complementary approach by providing rapid information on the state of bacterial populations.

ACM Pharma now offers this technology for probiotic enumeration, with results delivered within 48 to 72 hours.

Distinguishing viable, dead, and VBNC bacteria

The service allows for the quantification of different bacterial populations, including:

• Viable culturable bacteria ;
• Dead bacteria ;
• VBNC (Viable But Non-Culturable) bacteria, i.e., viable but not culturable under standard culture conditions.

This distinction provides information that complements simple enumeration of culturable bacteria on agar. It can notably help improve understanding of the impact of various manufacturing and storage steps on probiotic strains.

A tool for optimizing industrial processes

Flow cytometry analysis can be used to support various stages of probiotic development and production.

The data obtained can notably help to :

• Optimize manufacturing processes ;
• Compare different formulations ;
• Monitor stability studies ;
• Assess the impact of drying and storage ;
• Strengthen quality control of raw materials and finished products.

Characterizing the different cell populations thus provides manufacturers with additional information for monitoring the quality and evolution of their products.

A method based on the NF ISO 19344:2015 standard

The service developed by ACM Pharma is based on the recommendations of the NF ISO 19344:2015 standard, dedicated to the enumeration of probiotic microorganisms by flow cytometry.

The goal is to offer a fast and reproducible analytical method, tailored to the needs of organizations developing or manufacturing products containing probiotic microorganisms.

To learn more about the probiotic enumeration service by flow cytometry, discuss your analytical needs, or explore how to integrate this method into your projects, you can contact the ACM Pharma team.