PROBIOTIC STRAIN WIKI
Lactobacillus acidophilus. Bifidobacterium longum. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. Which designation refers to a species – and when is a specific strain truly clearly described?
This overview provides technical background. The specific strains you can configure or source from us for your project depend on the current selection and individual raw material assessment.
Genus
scientifically groups related species
Species
is not yet a complete strain designation
Strain
becomes unambiguous only with its identifier
READING NAMES CORRECTLY
A species name is not yet a complete strain designation. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG illustrates the structure.
| Name component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lacticaseibacillus | Genus |
| rhamnosus | Species |
| GG | Identifier of the specific strain |
Some microorganisms also have a subspecies. You need the complete identity to match studies and raw material documents. Two raw materials with the same species name are therefore not automatically interchangeable. NIH: Genus, species and strain designations
RECLASSIFICATION SINCE 2020
The 2020 reclassification changed many names. When researching, it is worth searching for both the former and current names.
| Current species name | Former or still commonly used name |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Unchanged |
| Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus | Lactobacillus rhamnosus |
| Lacticaseibacillus casei | Lactobacillus casei |
| Lacticaseibacillus paracasei | Lactobacillus paracasei |
| Lactiplantibacillus plantarum | Lactobacillus plantarum |
| Limosilactobacillus reuteri | Lactobacillus reuteri |
| Limosilactobacillus fermentum | Lactobacillus fermentum |
| Ligilactobacillus salivarius | Lactobacillus salivarius |
The table lists species, not eight specific probiotic strains. The properties evidenced for a raw material must be checked using its complete designation and documentation. ISAPP: Overview of name changes
EXAMPLE 01
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the familiar names that was not replaced by this reclassification. If an offer lists only this species name, ask for the additional strain identifier. Only then can you compare the associated documentation precisely.
EXAMPLE 02
For these species, older publications often use the Lactobacillus names. For your project, keep both names together with the strain identifier. This makes studies, specifications and subsequent formulation documents easier to match.
DETAILS MATTER HERE TOO
Species you may encounter in probiotics include Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium animalis. A designation may additionally include a subspecies, for example Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Even then, the strain identifier is still needed for unambiguous identification.
For product development, the complete designation in the raw material data sheet is therefore decisive. Shortened names can help with orientation; formulation approval should be based on more precise information.
FORMULATION LOGIC
A long ingredient list does not explain why a blend is sensibly composed. Start with your product concept, then assess the intended contribution of each component.
For a multi-strain formulation, we consider the planned proportions, documentation for the combination and analysis, among other things. A total CFU count does not automatically reveal how the quantity is distributed across individual strains. Separate measurement within a blend can also be analytically challenging.
ASSESSING QUALITY
Microbial count, daily serving, reference time and shelf life belong together. Our quality guide shows you what to consider when comparing.
YOUR PROJECT BRIEF
Do you already have a preferred raw material or a formulation? This information turns it into a solid brief.
| Specification | What we can clarify with it |
|---|---|
| Complete name including strain identifier | Which microorganism is actually meant |
| Specification and batch documents | Which properties are documented for the raw material offered |
| Concentration and reference time | What raw material quantity to consider for the planned formulation |
| Carriers and other ingredients | How the raw material fits into the overall composition |
| Storage conditions and stability documents | What requirements to consider as the project progresses |
| Planned serving and product format | Which product version you would like to develop |
OUTSIDE THE STANDARD SELECTION
The probiotic configurator contains a selection for directly configurable products. Our sourcing options go further. If you are looking for specific cultures, send us the complete names or existing data sheets. We assess the possibilities for your project.
DIRECT ROUTE
Put together your configuration online and see your price immediately.
INDIVIDUAL ROUTE
Bring complete names, data sheets or your formulation brief.
Key questions for research, raw material comparison and formulation work.
There are numerous specific strains from different species. A complete overview would therefore go far beyond a list of genus and species names. This wiki provides an introduction to help you read and compare specific strain designations.
We treat this as a formulation change. Identity, documentation, quantities and the basis for planned claims must be checked again for the new selection.
The number alone is not a sufficient selection criterion. What matters is whether the specific blend fits the product goal and how its composition is documented and justified.
Such an extrapolation should not be based on the species name alone. For your project, we compare the studied strain, composition and respective study conditions.
Veuillez contacter notre équipe d'assistance à l'adresse
help@schneider-solutions.storeYOUR NEXT STEP
Start directly in the configurator or send us your complete strain designation for an individual assessment.
