All Discussions Tagged 'Bacterial' - The Slime Mould Collective2024-03-29T09:15:57Zhttp://slimoco.ning.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=Bacterial&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHow to ward off bacterial infection in slime mould culturestag:slimoco.ning.com,2015-03-20:3917201:Topic:232252015-03-20T16:09:25.983ZRyan Teh Han Ronghttp://slimoco.ning.com/profile/RyanTehHanRong
<p>Hey Guys! I used to have this massive problem of infections where my slime mould cultures would repeatedly get infected very quickly and from the original oats in which I placed them. As a result, I have tried different methods to ensure efficient growth without bacterial infection and I'd love to share my learning experiences with you guys!! :)</p>
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<p>First of all, the most vital thing is to either use a clean sterile area to work in or an area which is close to a bunsen burner…</p>
<p>Hey Guys! I used to have this massive problem of infections where my slime mould cultures would repeatedly get infected very quickly and from the original oats in which I placed them. As a result, I have tried different methods to ensure efficient growth without bacterial infection and I'd love to share my learning experiences with you guys!! :)</p>
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<p>First of all, the most vital thing is to either use a clean sterile area to work in or an area which is close to a bunsen burner which is left on throughout experimentation. </p>
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<p>Secondly, it is important to flame equipment such as forceps, scalpels etc before using them to ensure that they are free of any residual bacteria.</p>
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<p>Thirdly, oats that are to be used should also be soaked in ethanol if they are not immediately from a newly opened pack of oats. (Note that oats should also be raw rolled oats, preferably organic as I have found them to grow better) Soak the oats in ethanol solution for about 1 to 2 minutes before removing the oats and leaving them to dry on a sterilised tile near the bunsen burner. Leave these oats to dry for about 15 minutes and ensure that they are completely dry by attempting to set alight a piece of oat. If it sets alight immediately, it is likely still saturated with ethanol and I suggest leaving the oats out for longer to dry off. </p>
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<p>Lastly, if clean sterile distilled water is not readily available, a way to sterilise the water used is either to boil or autoclave the water. Also, pipettes ought to be rinsed out at least once before use. </p>
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<p>That's all the tips I have for this. Hope they helped. :) Feel free to leave any comments on any other ways of stopping those pesky bacterial infections. </p>
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<p>Ryan :)</p>