bioMérieux Launches PCR Testing Solution to Verify Probiotic Species in Dietary Supplements Manufacturing
bioMérieux has launched GENE-UP® PROBIOTIC SPECIES ID, a species-level identification PCR solution designed for in-house quality control teams and laboratory partners. This solution enables verification of dietary supplement label claims in 90 minutes or less, streamlining the process compared to traditional workflows.
The development of GENE-UP® PROBIOTIC SPECIES ID was a collaboration with NOW®, a company recognized for its extensive experience and reputation in the natural products sector. NOW® previously relied on third-party laboratories for species identification, but the partnership with bioMérieux facilitates a more efficient verification process that emphasizes scientific rigor and operational reliability.
According to Miguel Villa, Senior Vice President of Industrial Applications for North America at bioMérieux, the growing probiotics market in the U.S. necessitates precise species identification to maintain label integrity and brand reputation. Meanwhile, Alejo Migones, Senior Vice President of Global Food Safety & Quality at bioMérieux, noted that reliable species verification is crucial for manufacturers navigating a competitive environment.
GENE-UP® PROBIOTIC SPECIES ID allows quality control teams to identify the 18 most commonly used probiotic species, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, in under 90 minutes. Maria Mendres, Microbiology Manager at NOW®, highlighted the benefits of faster results for production timelines and product risk management.
The solution is also being adopted by third-party laboratory services looking to enhance their probiotic testing capabilities. GENE-UP® PROBIOTIC SPECIES ID offers a rapid and standardized method for species identification, providing an option for routine testing while reserving sequencing for more complex analyses.
Initially available only in the United States, GENE-UP® PROBIOTIC SPECIES ID is part of bioMérieux's xPRO™ Program, which focuses on accelerating the development of next-generation molecular diagnostics. Further information can be found on bioMérieux's official website.