Ready-to-use culture media for PCR detection

MOLECULAR-BIOLOGICAL detection using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is the fastest and most reliable method for detecting and identifying spoiling microorganisms in beverage. The ready-to-use NBB®-PCR Broth from Döehler is made for this detection method.

The optimized composition of the raw materials in the medium promotes fast growth in the beer spoiling microorganisms and fast detection. A special production process makes the NBB®-PCR Broth free from DNA spoiling microorganisms and any kind of PCR inhibitors. This feature rules out false positive and false negative results, which can have expensive consequences for breweries. The medium can be combined with all PCR and real-time PCR detection systems available on the market, making it suitable for universal use. It allows the analysis of all samples taken in breweries, from yeast to yeast-turbid beer.

The NBB®-PCR Broth was developed for fast and reliable detection of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Pectinatus and Megasphaera, and for all samples arising in breweries. Some culture media consist of raw materials that are already contaminated with DNA from other microorganisms. “This would lead to a false positive PCR result, forcing the brewery to spend time and money retesting perfectly good beer or, in the worst case scenario, throwing it away. We can rule this out 100 percent with the new NBB®-PCR Broth,” says Dr Sabine Müller, Head of Product Management & Sales, DMD Culture Media at Döehler. Thanks to a production process specially tailored to this aspect, Döehler is the only producer who can guarantee that NBB®-PCR Broth contains no DNA from beverage spoiling microorganisms. The medium also contains no inhibitors at all that influence the PCR or real-time PCR. This enables enrichment and detection within just 48 to 72 hours, even of slow-growing microorganisms like Lactobacillus lindneri or Pediococcus damnosus, for example.

NBB®-PCR Broth was validated in an extensive study by Dr.-Ing. Mathias Hutzler from the Microbiology and Yeast Center department of the Research Center Weihenstephan for Brewing and Food Quality at Technische Universität München. The investigation included comparing the culture medium NBB®-PCR with other culture media and its use in combination with various commercially-available PCR detection systems and a range of sample matrices. Comprehensive publication of the results is planned.

For universal application

The balanced ratio of growth substances and inhibitors in NBB®-PCR ensures optimum selectivity, allowing strictly anaerobic beer spoiling microorganisms such as Pectinatus und Megasphaera to be detected in just 48 to 72 hours. Döehler ensures that NBB®-PCR Broth offers consistent quality at the highest level using a comprehensive quality management system and internal and external examinations, from the raw material to the end product.

The medium can be used universally for the enrichment of and subsequent PCR or real-time PCR detection in yeast samples, yeast-turbid beers, filtered beers, water and rinsing water, samples from airborne bacteria collection and swab samples for hygiene monitoring. NBB®-PCR Broth is suitable as pre-enrichment for all PCR or real-time PCR systems, regardless of the detection system used. It is ready to use right away, thus eliminating the need for any preparation. There is no need for the usual cumbersome and time-consuming weighing, dissolving, pH adjustment and autoclaving – another feature that makes NBB®-PCR Broth stand out from other media.

Even simpler and more cost effective results

NBB®-PCR Broth works well with the new DMD® Screen & Ident Kits from Döehler. The new kits offer fast and absolutely reliable results and are so easy to use that no expert knowledge of microbiology is needed. Once the beer samples have been enriched with NBB®-PCR Broth, the DMD® Screen & Ident Kits can be used directly to detect beer spoiling microorganisms. The kits combine optimised PCR detection with detection that uses a test strip and is easy to analysz visually.