The usefulness of the MALDI–TOF MS technique in the determination of dairy samples’ microbial composition: comparison of the new EXS 2600 system with MALDI Biotyper platform

Abstract

This study compared the EXS 2600 system with the MALDI Biotyper for identifying microorganisms in dairy samples. Of the 196 bacterial isolates from milk, whey, buttermilk, cream, and dairy wastewater, the species and genus consistent identi cation between two systems showed 74% and 99%, respectively. However, the microorganism's species identi cation rate exhibited distinct difference of Zybio 76.0% higher than Bruker 66.8%. Notably, the EXS 2600 system performed better with certain yeast species and H. alvei, while the Biotyper excelled with Pseudomonas bacteria. Unique microbial compositions were found in 85% of dairy samples, with whey and buttermilk having the highest diversity. This research highlights the EXS 2600's potential as a reliable dairy microbial identi cation tool and underscores the need for a more diverse and comprehensive spectral database, despite the database's focus on clinical applications (as announced ).