At the 7th National Molecular and Diagnostic Microbiology Congress in Ankara, Bruker announced an exclusive framework agreement with Duzen in the area of molecular microbial identification based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Duzen is one of the leading private diagnostic laboratory groups in Turkey, and Bruker is the leading provider of mass spectrometry-based microorganism identification solutions worldwide. Duzen Laboratories, a highly regarded clinical diagnostics company for 38 years, is the pioneer in its field in introducing new technologies into routine clinical use in Turkey. In addition, Duzen also supports government and university funded health programs, and is the contract service provider of several embassies for visa applications.During an extensive evaluation study of the commercially available MALDI-TOF based microorganism identification systems, Bruker's MALDI Biotyper solution repeatedly outperformed other systems in both its analytical performance and easy to use workflow. On this basis, Duzen decided to enter into an exclusive long-term agreement with Bruker to equip its laboratories with the market leading MALDI Biotyper system.

'We decided that the MALDI Biotyper is the most suitable system based on its smart and intelligent workflows and IT embedding features, and coupled with Bruker's service and support network significantly reduced the challenges of implementing a new technology like MALDI-TOF into our daily routine workflow,' commented Dr. Gorkem Yaman, Microbiology Specialist at Duzen.

Dr. Yaman commented further: 'After successfully introducing a revolutionary species identification workflow, Bruker's team of microbiologists are continuing to expand the horizons of MALDI-TOF microbial applications, providing us with initial ideas on how to detect particular resistance mechanisms with the MALDI Biotyper. This means that MALDI-TOF based detection of B-lactamases and carbapenemases activity is possible in less than three hours, for some enzymes even within one hour. This approach also can be applied to the analysis of positive blood cultures using Bruker's MALDI Sepsityper kit, obtaining information both on the species and its possible resistance mechanisms within a couple of hours. This may have a significant impact on the clinical management of patients in Turkey.'

'When considering potential partners it is important for us to identify not only the most reliable partner but one that fully understands our needs and requirements. Bruker's 'Open Microbiology Concept' permits us to use and connect different technologies of our choice; this flexible approach compliments our own strategy and concepts perfectly. The philosophies of both companies fit nicely together and I am looking forward to expanding the cooperation into other regions in the future,' concluded Dr. Elvan Laleli-Sahin, Member of the Board of Directors, Duzen.

Dr. Guido Mix, Director of Microbiology at Bruker Daltonics, added: 'We are very pleased that after leading the MALDI-TOF-based revolution for microbial identification, Bruker is now also leading the integration of this new molecular method into the overall microbiological workflow. Our efforts toward developing smart and straightforward workflows for the daily microbiological routine of labs are especially valued by our customers. Being able to offer very robust mass spectrometer hardware and software, and proven hands-on standard operating protocols, all backed-up by our dedicated microbiology support specialists, makes Bruker a reliable long-term partner.'