The RiboPrinter® microbial characterization system from DuPont Nutrition & Health now includes more than 6,900 RiboPrint™ patterns of interest to the pharmaceutical, food and public health sectors. The DUP 2008 update, which does not alter the operating software, adds genetic 'fingerprints' for over 219 genera and 1,440 species and serotypes of bacteria to the onboard identification database.

The automated RiboPrinter® system uses powerful genetic information to provide a genetic snapshot, or RiboPrint™ pattern, of any bacterium in less than eight hours. With electronic data security features and characterization below the species level, the RiboPrinter® system surpasses U.S. Food and Drug Association guidelines for systems that identify contamination and help assure consistency in aseptic processing.

'These new patterns make it even easier for customers to pinpoint and characterize contaminating bacteria in their products and operations,' said Kevin Huttman, president -- DuPont Nutrition & Health. 'Each database expansion adds significant value for customers who rely on the RiboPrinter® system to help them monitor trends at their site and track contamination back to its source.'