Flow-FISH Technology for the Precise and Rapid Enumeration of Probiotic Blends
Hallbergmoos, Germany, November 11, 2024 – vermicon AG has developed an innovative method for precise enumeration in probiotic products. The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology (Volume 15 – 2024), introduces an optimized combination of Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and flow cytometry, called Flow-FISH technology. This method surpasses traditional cell count methods with faster and more accurate analysis.
Modern microbiome research shows that the human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the immune system and the development of various diseases. Probiotics, living microorganisms consumed in sufficient amounts, can have positive health effects. However, accurately quantifying viable cells in probiotic products remains challenging.
Conventional methods, such as plating, are time-consuming and often underestimate the true number of viable cells. Many cells may be in a “viable but non-culturable” (VBNC) state, meaning they are alive but not culturable. Additionally, some probiotic bacteria are difficult to culture, which complicates quality control.
“Flow-FISH combines the speed of flow cytometry with the high specificity of Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH),” comments microbiologist and CEO Dr. Jiri Snaidr. “This method enables the specific identification and precise quantification of live bacteria even in complex probiotic mixtures, which is unique worldwide.”
The study’s findings reveal that Flow-FISH technology detects higher viable cell counts than plating, challenging the traditional “gold standard” method. Compared to non-specific live/dead staining, Flow-FISH offers similar accuracy and reliability, with the crucial advantage of differentiating, identifying, and quantifying the bacteria.
Flow-FISH technology meets a growing demand, as global interest in probiotics rises. Reliable enumeration of viable probiotic bacteria in these products is increasingly essential.
This study represents a significant advancement in probiotic product quality control. Flow-FISH provides a fast, robust, and highly specific alternative to traditional methods, with the potential to revolutionize quality control and research in the probiotic field.
About vermicon AG: vermicon AG provides microbiology solutions by developing and marketing products and services for microorganism detection. With unique microbiological expertise gained from over 25 years of experience and cultivation-independent methods, vermicon succeeds in directly identifying, quantifying, and visualizing microorganisms within samples. The company's technology portfolio includes modern and innovative technologies that enable the application of direct microbiology.