Creative Biolabs is a leading service provider that focuses on cosmetic microbiological tests. Now we are proud to provide aerobic mesophilic bacteria - total plate count service for our clients all over the world.

The Introduction of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria - Total Plate Count

The total plate count, also known as aerobic mesophilic count, standard plate count, or aerobic colony count, has been widely used to estimate the bacterial population in cosmetic products. It can be served as a criterion for judging hygiene quality, sensory acceptability, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Low counts of these microorganisms do not guarantee the absence of pathogens or their toxins. However, high counts are not desirable in cosmetic products because it may mean excessive contamination of the raw material, possibility of pathogen existence, error handling in the production process, and even direct damage to the product. Therefore, the total plate count test is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the cosmetic products.

Figure 1. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria on Plate Count Agar. (Rizani, 2018)

ISO 21149 Test Procedure

The established ISO 21149 procedure provides a standard method for enumeration and detection of mesophilic aerobic bacteria in cosmetic products.

Our test procedure allows providing information about the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in 1 g or 1 mL cosmetic samples and the results would be expressed in CFU (colony forming units). To perform this test, the cosmetic samples can be diluted in a validated neutralizing solution to eliminate the presence of inhibitors in samples. The enrichment culture of the sample helps to promote the growth of some bacteria that may be present with a small number of bacteria. Subsequently, the product dilution and enrichment culture in the neutralization solution would be inoculated on a solid non-selective agar medium and incubated at 32.5°C for 72 hours. Please note this test can count all microorganisms that can develop in the presence of oxygen and temperatures between 20°C and 45°C but does not specify or identify the types of microorganisms.

Due to the wide variety of cosmetic products in this application field, this method may not be suitable for every detail of some products, and other equivalent methods can also be substituted.

Advantages of our Total Plate Count Service

• Higher operating efficiency
• Suitable for a wide range of samples
• Ensure accuracy and credibility of results
• Low cost with fast results
• Fully customizable experimental design to expand beyond standard procedure.

Equipped with world-leading technology platforms and professional scientific staff, Creative Biolabs is confident in offering the most qualified services and products for our customers all over the world. If you are interested in our products or services, please do not hesitate to contact us for more detailed information.

Reference

1. Rizani, H.; et al. Determination of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria and Coliforms in Raw Milk in the Region of Kosovo. Albanian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2018, 17(1).

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