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The use of a simple flow cytometry method for rapid detection of spores in probiotic Bacillus licheniformis-containing tablets

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Abstract

Detection of the number of vegetative cells and endospores is necessary for quality control during the production of orally administered probiotic Bacillus licheniformis-containing tablets (BCT). However, there is no standard method for the rapid detection of vegetative cells and endospores in China. In this study, a simple flow cytometry (FCM) method was used to monitor the population dynamics of BCT. Using a specific fluorescent stain, SYBR green I, flow cytometric analysis could easily differentiate two morphological states of B. licheniformis. Compared with plate count assay (PCA) for determining the number of vegetative cells and endospores, the percentage of endospores determined by FCM was ~10% higher than that by PCA. Advantages of the FCM method over conventional methods include lower labor work, shorter detection time, and higher accuracy. Therefore, this simple FCM method could be a practical tool for monitoring quality control during the production of probiotic BCT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou, 310004, China

    Xiao-Ling Zheng

  2. School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China

    Zhi-Qiang Xiong

  3. Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China

    Jie-Qun Wu

Authors
  1. Xiao-Ling Zheng
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  2. Zhi-Qiang Xiong
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  3. Jie-Qun Wu
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Correspondence to Zhi-Qiang Xiong.

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Zheng, XL., Xiong, ZQ. & Wu, JQ. The use of a simple flow cytometry method for rapid detection of spores in probiotic Bacillus licheniformis-containing tablets. Food Sci Biotechnol 26, 167–171 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-017-0022-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-017-0022-5

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