MALDI-UP – An Open Catalog for Database Entries by Users for Users, at MALDI-TOF-MS-user-platform.ua-bw.de

Ein Bericht aus unserem Laboralltag

J. Rau, R. Sting (CVUA Stuttgart); T. Eisenberg (Hessen State Laboratory, Gießen)

 

A new means of professional data exchange

The use of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in research and routine laboratories is growing rapidly. The instruments combine matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) with time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). With this method large biopolymers such as proteins from microorganisms, fish or meat can be analyzed relatively gently.


This technology has been used mainly for the differentiation of bacteria and other microorganisms in clinical microbiology, veterinary medical diagnostics and in food microbiology. An unknown microorganism can be identified by comparing its mass spectrum to that of a reference in a database. This database thus plays a central role in the identification.


The systems (consisting of both hardware and software) employed by most users offer not only an extensive database supplied by the manufacturer, but also allow for the addition of one’s own data. These can be transferred within the device platform, making it possible to quickly fill in diagnostic gaps. In our experience, this is especially valid for a series of special microorganisms from veterinary medical microbiology. There are few databases available for other areas of research, such as the species identification of animal meat via MALDI-TOF MS, although a wide circle of users is interested in them.


In order to make information regarding high quality database entries available from users for users, we have set up an „open catalog“ in the Internet under http://maldi-tof-ms-user-platform.ua-bw.de and http://maldi-up.ua-bw.de.

 

The list will be maintained on a subdomain and updated at fixed intervals within the framework of the website „UA-BW“.

 

Illustration 1: Screen shot of the Homepage.

Illustration 1: Screen shot of the Homepage.

 

The catalog in MALDI-UP offers uniformly presented, comprehensive information regarding species names, isolate numbers and specimens, as well as the designation of isolates (e.g. molecular biological identification, biochemical data) and technical details of the entries (instrument, cultivation, preparation, etc.). The summary of data entries, and especially the contact information for the owner of the entries, shall be presented in this manner. No actual spectra will be available for free download on MALDI-UP. The copyrights to the data and the updating process of the equipment manufacturer will thereby not be affected.


The catalog in MALDI-UP is open for users, subject to the conditions stated on the homepage regarding the publication of information on one‘s own database entries. The catalog (in Excel) can thus be downloaded and new rows of data can be added in the proposed format. After the new data is sent to maldi-up@ua-bw.de, it will be checked, any missing information will be requested, and finally the newly added rows will be included in the next update of the catalog.


Every user that provides information makes their contact data available and responds to any enquiries about the data themselves.

In this way, the data-providing user can steer information exchanges with their colleagues.


This concept was developed with assistance from employees at CVUA Stuttgart and the Hessen State Laboratory. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for comments and suggestions at maldi-up@ua-bw.de.

 

Illustration 2: Schematic Structure of a MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer.

Illustration 2: Schematic Structure of a MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer.

 

Illustration 3: Typical mass spectrum (black) and the resulting calculated reduced spectrum (main spectra projection, MSP, blue).

Illustration 3: Typical mass spectrum (black) and the resulting calculated reduced spectrum (main spectra projection, MSP, blue).

 

Photo Credits:

CVUA Stuttgart.

 

Artikel erstmals erschienen am 24.09.2015