Pharmaceutical Microbiology

MALDI Biotyper® for Pharma

Rapid and specific microbial identification for pharmaceutical microbiology


Straightforward to result

The MALDI Biotyper® (MBT) is a rapid microbiological method for identification based on the unique proteomic fingerprint of a microorganism. Proteomic patterns of unknown microorganisms, acquired by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), are compared to an extensive, ready-to-use reference library that covers thousands of species.  


Even demanding microorganisms like anaerobic and non-fermenting bacteria, as well as multicellular fungi, can be identified with one approach. No expertise in mass spectrometry is required and the identification can be obtained in-house within minutes. Implementing the MALDI Biotyper® in the QC workflow can translate to high cost savings in terms of saving lost product shipments and production line uptime.


Broad species coverage

The MBT Compass® reference library currently covers 9,607 reference spectra of 3,239 species from 593 bacteria and fungi genera. The library is continuously maintained and updated according to strict quality-controlled procedures. Additionally, specific libraries for filamentous fungi and mycobacteria are also available. Laboratories have as well the option to create their own reference libraries from their spectra, for example on specific local microorganisms. These custom libraries can be shared and exchanged with other plants of the pharmaceutical company and externally.

Process control

Already in use in a number of pharmaceutical microbiology labs, the MALDI Biotyper® provides a very rapid and specific microbial identification result, comparable to molecular sequencing resolution, but with significantly less labor, time and cost. The implementation and validation of the MALDI Biotyper® is supported by installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification-performance validation (OQ-PV) documentation and 21 CFR Part 11 supporting software. For daily routine documentation requirements, the MALDI Biotyper® solution offers complete workflow traceability.


Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures. 

Please contact your local representative for availability in your country.