Beta-Lactamase Activity Detection

Revealing beta-lactamase activity

To aid the fight against resistant bacteria, Bruker has developed the MBT STAR^®-BL assays. Extending the capabilities of the MALDI Biotyper^® beyond the identification of microorganisms, these assays provide rapid assessment of beta-lactamase activity in bacterial isolates. Dedicated MBT STAR^® reagent kits and software modules facilitate straight-forward evaluation of results.

Detecting beta-lactamase activity with the MALDI Biotyper^®

To analyze beta-lactamase activity, bacterial samples are co-incubated with a beta-lactam antibiotic. Bacteria possessing beta-lactamase activity can effectively break down the antibiotic molecule. This enzymatic action results in a detectable mass shift of the molecule. That mass shift, being the core of our methodology, is precisely measured on the MALDI Biotyper^®.

Hydrolysis of an antibiotic's beta-lactam ring leads to mass shifts that can easily be detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Rapid results, easy execution

Following incubation, assay samples are deposited onto a MALDI target plate, and spectra of the antibiotic are swiftly acquired on the MALDI Biotyper^®. The dedicated MBT HT STAR^®-BL software module automatically computes the combined signal intensities of hydrolyzed and intact antibiotic molecules, presenting the data as a comprehensible plot for instant evaluation.

Our assays are designed for your convenience, delivering fast results and requiring only 30-60 min of incubation. Utilize the user-friendly MBT STAR^®-Carba and MBT STAR^®-Cepha Kits to swiftly detect carbapenemase and cephalosporinase activity, respectively. Whether you're starting with a plate culture or a Sepsityper^® pellet, our solutions empower you to stay ahead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Dedicated kits and software module for detection of carbapenemase and cephalosporinase activity

The MBT STAR^®-Carba assay is designed for the swift detection of prevalent Class A, B, or D carbapenemase activity in gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and Acinetobacter spp. This assay equips microbiologists with the means to rapidly identify bacteria and assess their carbapenemase activity seamlessly on the MALDI Biotyper^® - all on a single platform.

Employ the MBT STAR^®-Cepha assay in the fight against cephalosporin resistance. Swiftly identify resistances to 3rd generation cephalosporins after a positive blood culture alert. The MBT STAR^®-Cepha assay identifies the characteristic enzymatic hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring in 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotics.

The MBT STAR^®-Cepha assay enables detecting the most actively expressed extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC beta-lactamases in multi-drug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative Enterobacterales:

ESBL:

e.g. plasmidic TEM, SHV, and CTX-M

AmpC:

Chromosomal and plasmidic
Inducible or overexpressed resistance genes
e.g. AmpC, FOX, LAT, DHA, and CMY

Users receive a comprehensive report, featuring assay results and clear, color-coded indicators, simplifying the interpretation of enzyme activity status.

Selective Testing of Antibiotic Resistance (STAR) solutions fitting to your microbiology lab

Bruker’s MBT STAR^® solutions are available as IVD-CE workflows, or for Research Use Only. Please contact your local representative for availability in your country.