Rapid differentiation of new isolates with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry via discriminant function analysis based on principal components

Abstract

Discriminant function analysis based on principal components was applied to the spectral outputs of whole cell suspensions of nine isolates from matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. First, based on the salt tolerance and whole cell proteins, the similarity of the isolates to moderate halophiles was established. Intact microorganisms were then inferentially clustered by MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy taking four type strains as precursors. Two of these type strains were moderate halophilic bacteria (Halomonas salina and Halomonas halophila), one was a mesophilic bacteria (Escherichia coli), and one was a halophilic archaea (Haloarcula vallismortis). Results showed that the isolates were significantly similar to halophiles but were different from a mesophile. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility of using whole cell suspensions for rapid differentiation prior to extensive experimentation.