Modern Methods for Faster Microbial Analysis

Rapid microbial analysis is essential for maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient laboratory workflows, yet selecting the most appropriate analytical approach can be challenging.

This educational webinar explores three complementary methods—matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for microbial identification, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for microbial strain typing, and automated DNA/RNA electrophoresis for genetic analysis.

Through practical examples and application-focused discussion, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of each technique's strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases, helping them make more informed decisions when designing or optimizing microbial testing workflows.

Attend this webinar to:

• Understand how MALDI-TOF MS, FTIR, and automated DNA/RNA electrophoresis address different microbial analysis challenges
• Learn how these three methods can support faster and more efficient microbial testing workflows
• Evaluate which analytical approach is best suited to specific microbial testing applications and laboratory objectives
• Apply practical considerations when implementing microbial identification, bacterial classification, or genetic analysis techniques in routine testing

Presenter: Kaoru Nakagawa (Assistant Manager, Application Specialist (MALDI), Shimadzu Corporation)

Kaoru Nakagawa joined Shimadzu Corporation in 2008. She began her career at the Koichi Tanaka Mass Spectrometry Research Laboratory, where she developed highly sensitive glycan analysis methods using MALDI-MS with liquid-matrix-based on-plate labeling. Kaoru later moved to a customer-facing role, supporting applications such as, MALDI-MS imaging technologies, including on-tissue chemical derivatization. Today, her work focuses on developing rapid, practical methods for microbial identification using MALDI. Guided by Shimadzu’s corporate philosophy, “Contributing to society through science and technology,” she is dedicated to advancing mass spectrometry technologies that help address real-world scientific challenges.

Presenter: Nozomi Maeshima (Assistant Manager, Application Specialist (Life Science), Shimadzu Corporation)

Nozomi Maeshima is an applications scientist at Shimadzu, where she has been involved in LC-MS application development in the life sciences field and in genetic analysis applications. She also leads promotional and marketing activities and supports customer inquiries. During university, she studied chemical biology and investigated the mechanisms of enzymes involved in biosynthetic processes. Nozomi brings a combination of research experience and applications expertise to help laboratories identify practical solutions for their analytical needs.

Presenter: Xu Yan ( Assistant Manager, Application Specialist (FTIR), Shimadzu Corporation)

Xu Yan is an application chemist at Shimadzu Corporation with five years of experience developing FTIR applications for microbiology, environmental analysis, and GX-related fields. His work focuses on advancing practical FTIR applications and has gained extensive experience in method development and real-world implementation. In this session, Xu will present insights into the use of FTIR for microbiological analysis, including strain typing and related applications.