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Production of precise microbiology standards using flow cytometry and freeze drying
C A Morgan1, P Bigeni, N Herman
1BTF Pty. Ltd., North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. contact@btfbio.com
Summary
New flow cytometry methods create precise bacterial quality control standards. This breakthrough ensures accurate microbial testing and consistent results across the industry.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional microbiological quality control standards often suffer from variability and inaccuracy.
- Current methods for preparing bacterial standards can lead to false results in testing.
- Existing flow cytometry techniques achieve precision for protozoa but not bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for creating highly accurate bacterial quality control standards.
- To improve the precision and consistency of bacterial enumeration for microbiological testing.
- To establish a reliable method for producing bacterial reference materials.
Main Methods:
- A modified flow cytometer was used to sort individual bacterial cells.
- Bacterial cells were encapsulated in droplets with cryoprotective solution and frozen.
- Droplets containing precise numbers of bacteria were freeze-dried for preservation.
Main Results:
- Freeze-dried spheres containing exactly 30 microorganisms were successfully produced.
- The method demonstrated low within-batch variation (≤2 standard deviations).
- Exceptional between-batch variation (less than 1 standard deviation) was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Accurate and precise bacterial reference controls can now be manufactured.
- This advancement enables greater harmonization in microbiological testing globally.
- The new method offers unparalleled precision for bacterial quality control standards.