Probiotics: New microbiological
enumeration method for exceptional quality

Direct, modern microbiology with Flow VIT®: The industrial standard for Fluorescence in Situ
Hybridization (FISH). State-of-the-art enumeration, identification, purity, stability, viability and activity analysis,
due to rapid analysis of multiple bacterial species directly in the sample.

 

 

 

Why do we need new, more efficient methods for probiotical analysis?

The development of probiotics requires profound microbiological understanding of the relationships and interactions between the selected microorganisms as well as with the host microbiome ecosystem. Additionally, the manufacturing and quality control of probiotics requires exact enumeration of all individual bacterial species in probiotic blends and determination of their activity status.

However, there are certain obstacles and limitations of conventional and novel microbiological methods, like next generation sequencing (NGS) and flow cytometry, that researchers have to overcome in order to gain the required knowledge.

 

NEW! Flow VIT® test kits

The first Flow VIT® test kits for the rapid and specific enumeration of probiotic bacteria species Flow VIT® Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Flow VIT® Lactobacillus plantarum, Flow VIT® Bifidobacterium longum and Flow VIT® Bifidobacterium lactis are now available!

Looking for a test kit for rapid enumeration of another species? We are constantly expanding our portfolio of standard test kits and offer customized test kits for single or multi-species blends. Feel free to contact us for more information!

Why VIT® and Flow VIT®?

VIT® and Flow VIT® can specifically identify multiple bacteria populations in the same sample, distinguish between live and dead cells and are cultivation independent. The best of both worlds - Flow VIT® combines molecular methods (fluorescence in situ hybridization) with flow cytometry and in this way enables rapid and accurate enumeration of specific bacterial species, making this technology inevitable for the quality control and efficiency of next-genereation probiotics.

Our mission is to dissolve the methodological limitations and enable the development and production of exceptional probiotics. Using VIT® makes that possible.

Cultivation-independant

  • Direct and rapid microbiology
  • Patented FISH technologies, recognized by the European Pharmacopoeia
  • GMP certified analysis methods

Spatial analysis

  • Visualization directly in the sample
  • Specific identification of multiple bacterial species
  • Insights into the microbe-to-microbe interactions

Rapid enumeration

  • Flow VIT® provides accurate and reliable enumeration of multiple bacterial species directly in the probiotic product
  • Reduces drastically the analysis time compared to traditional methods

Improved quality

  • Deeper understanding of the microbe-to-microbe interactions
  • Viability, activity and stability validation of multiple species

Implementation

VIT® is a powerful molecular technique that utilizes specially programmed fluorescent-labeled probes to detect and identify microbial rRNA in a sample. The evaluation of the results can be performed using either fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry (Flow VIT®).

Using the VIT® and Flow VIT® technologies, we perform a wide range of laboratory analyses under both GMP and non-GMP conditions. Additionally, our detection systems include standard and customized test kits and enable an easy to use in-house analysis of microorganisms.

With over 25 years of experience in analyzing complex microbiological ecosystems, we offer expert consulting services to help solve even the most challenging microbiological questions.

 

Sample types and industries

  • raw materials
  • solid and liquid samples
  • single strain probiotic formulations
  • multi-species probiotic formulations
  • in vivo assays
  • in vitro assays
  • probiotics
  • synbiotics
  • postbiotics
  • dietary supplements
  • drugs
  • functional & fermented foods
  • feed mills & livestock breeding

Our services

We work in trustful collaboration with our clients. Our service portfolio offers a broad range of possibilities. The standard services cover a large proportion of analyses relevant for the whole probiotics production process - from research and development to quality control of the final product. In case customized solution is needed, we are happy to consult you.

Microbiome analytics are a highly sensitive area. In order to provide our customers with maximum safety, we are certifying our services according to the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO9001: 2015 standards.

 

  • rapid enumeration of multiple bacterial species in the same sample

  • spatial analysis, identification and visualization

  • viability, activity and safety analysis

  • validation of stability and viability throughout shelf life

  • in vitro GI-tract simulation assay development

  • composition validation of end products

  • microbial quality monitoring

  • control of contaminants

If you need further assistance or have any questions related to our services and detection methods, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts. We will be pleased to help you.

Our customers

[…]


„The importance of bacteria for our health is becoming increasingly obvious. Probiotic drugs open up new avenues in the fight against civilization diseases such as allergies, respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal diseases. With this in mind, SymbioPharm GmbH is committed to consistently and continuously expanding all activities from research to the finished product, searching for new ways and finding unusual treatments.

For more than two decades, vermicon AG has been our accompanying, reliable partner in the research development and quality assurance of our products. With their innovative methods, microbiological know-how and professional way of working, we have found exactly the partner that complements us. The fast exchange with our direct contact person and the entire team in mutual trust is the guarantee for an uncomplicated and successful cooperation.“

Dr. Kurt Zimmermann, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), SymbioPharm GmbH

Unique Advantages

We start where conventional methods and approaches fail. With our experience, gathered in more than 25 years in the analysis of biocenoses, we answer even highly complex, interdisciplinary microbiological questions.

 

  • cultivation-independent methods

  • enumeration of viable aerobic & anaerobic bacteria

  • pioneers in the application of VIT®  (industrial standard of FISH) and Flow VIT®

  • highly-qualified experts with decades of experience in applied microbiology

  • innovative and experimental approach

  • customer focused and solution driven

Microbiome research

Microbiome research

The human microbiome is a highly complex ecosystem. Products based on living microorganisms generally don’t work in a direct way, but interact in a multifactorial mode of action.

Live Biotherapeutics

Live Biotherapeutics

To ensure the efficacy and safety of Live Biotherapeutics, a deeper understanding of the relationship between the microbiome and the human health is needed.

Expertise and technology

Expertise and technology

vermicon supports pharmaceutical companies and developers of microbiome-based products whenever a specific microbiological expertise, technological equipment or process optimization is needed.