The Plant to Food Research group of Prof Lise Korsten in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, provides a microbial diagnostic service using the MALDI-TOF Biotyper. The service is available for research purposes to all students and staff of the University of Pretoria as well as collaborators and other research institutions.
The MALDI Biotyper identifies microorganisms using MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) Mass Spectrometry measuring the unique protein fingerprint of an organism. Specifically, the MALDI Biotyper measures highly abundant proteins that are found in all microorganisms. The characteristic patterns of these proteins are used to reliably identify a particular microorganism by matching the respective patterns with an extensive open database to determine the identity of the microorganism down to species level. The current data base is however still being developed and a wide range of environmental, agricultural and food associated microorganisms are still not in the system. As part of our research programme we plan to build this unique database for South Africa. We therefore would like to request that selected important microorganisms be used to expand the database.
To proceed to the MALDI-TOF Diagnostic Service website click here.
Contact information:
Ms Amelita Lombard
E- or fax to
T- 012 420 4588.
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