First experiences using realtime-PCR as a rapid detection method for brewery process control at Beck Co

摘要

Prior to introduction of realtime-PCR in brewery quality control Beck & Co tested the suitability of commercial available assays for detection of beerspoiling bacteria under practical conditions. Results revealed no inhibitory or sensivity-lowering effect in presence of traces of CIP-solutions, water samples with iron content up to 0.1 mg or in use of different swabs. There was no risk of false positives due to signals from non-beerspoiling bacteria or wort-acidifying bacteria. Detection limit was lower in pitch-ing yeast samples and precultivation of beerspoiling bacteria in these samples, up to now needed for live-dead discrimination, revealed to be difficult. Work on this topic is ongoing.