Techniques for Probiotic Enumeration
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As a leading contract research organization (CRO), Creative Biolabs provides comprehensive drug development solutions for live biotherapeutics. With our flexible service, extensive next-generation probiotics expertise, and increasing experience, we meet your needs and provide customized solutions.
Background
Probiotics or live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), when consumed, are expected to survive at sufficient dose levels until their expiration date to have an impact on health or treatment. At present, the number of bacterial cells is considered the most important parameter affecting the efficacy and quality of probiotics or LBPs. Many regulators rely solely on plate counts or similar plating analyses to assess "viability" and ensure the accuracy of label claims. Probiotic bacteria enumeration can be considered the main evaluation tool for product feasibility, formulation, stability, and quality control, and the first parameter used for commercial agreements.
Probiotic Enumeration Methods at Creative Biolabs
Cell counts are usually performed by culture-dependent methods. Cultivation methods, such as plate counting, are the gold standard. The plate counting method is simple to operate, but it requires a long incubation time and the selection of an appropriate medium.
FC can complement plate counting as it detects a ratio of intact versus total bacteria. It is a culture-independent methodology having the potential to enumerate selectively live and damaged or dead cells. FC can provide data on different structural and functional properties of cells, allowing quantification of the proliferative capacity of cells on agar and other microbial media, thereby providing further insight into the response of functional strains to various applications. It was used successfully for the assessment of viability and physiological activity of LAB and Bifidobacteria subjected to different stress conditions. The number of microorganisms in the analyzed products was greater when FC was used for most of the analyzed strains.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is considered one of the most powerful techniques in modern microbial ecology because it has the distinct advantage of directly counting cells in natural environments without the need for culture.
Sample Types
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Capsules
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Tablets
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Fermented Foods and Beverages
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Animal Feed
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Biofertilizer
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Pharmaceutical Products
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Environmental Samples
If you are ready to submit your samples for testing, please fill out the Sample Submission Form.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the testing services, a final report will be issued.
Evaluations of Different Methods
Different methods can be used to assess cell viability, and they have been extensively evaluated elsewhere. Selective culture techniques do not always provide an accurate representation of all species. In recent years new culture-independent methods have been used to accurately enumerate probiotic strains based on viability. A more comprehensive definition of live probiotics, using culture-independent techniques, has the potential to provide direct, rapid enumeration methods for researchers and industry-based scientists facing the challenge of providing usable doses of final products. These techniques either use dyes to distinguish live from dead cells, measure the integrity of cell membranes, or characterize some aspect of metabolic activity. Both traditional cell culture methods, as well as alternative techniques (direct imaging and visual enumeration, nucleic acid-based enumeration methods, and FC and cell sorting), offer advantages and limitations for enumerating probiotic microorganisms.
Case Studies
Creative Biolabs as your live biotherapeutics CRO partner can create valuable insights through our powerful scientific knowledge and powerful technology platform. Contact us to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the applications of probiotic enumeration?
Probiotic enumeration is crucial for various applications, ensuring the viability and efficacy of probiotic products. Here are some key applications:
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Quality control.
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Regulatory compliance.
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Research and development.
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Preclinical studies.
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Shelf-Life studies.
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Product formulation.
What samples would normally require probiotic enumeration?
Probiotic enumeration is essential for various types of samples to ensure the viability and efficacy of the probiotic strains. Here are some common samples that typically require probiotic enumeration:
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Dietary Supplements: Capsules, tablets, and powders containing probiotics.
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Fermented Foods and Beverages: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.
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Animal Feed: Probiotic-enriched feed for livestock and pets.
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Pharmaceutical Products: Probiotic formulations used for therapeutic purposes.
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Human and Animal Biological Samples: Fecal samples, saliva, and other biological fluids to study probiotic colonization and activity in the gut.
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Environmental Samples: Soil and water samples in studies involving probiotics for environmental applications.
These samples are typically analyzed to determine the concentration of viable probiotic organisms, ensuring they meet the required standards for health benefits.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.
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