Why are autoclave being used for media preparation?

They are used to decontaminate certain biological waste and sterilize media, instruments and lab ware. Regulated medical waste that might contain bacteria, viruses and other biological material are recommended to be inactivated by autoclaving before disposal.

What is the role of an autoclave in microbial culture?

An autoclave is a machine that provides a physical method of sterilization by killing bacteria, viruses, and even spores present in the material put inside of the vessel using steam under pressure. Autoclave sterilizes the materials by heating them up to a particular temperature for a specific period of time.

Why do we need to sterilize the growing media?

Growing media is often sterilized to prevent disease-causing microbes from growing in the media during shipping or storage. Water and fertilizer expose the media to even more microbes, especially when if you are using well water that is not sterilized.

How do you autoclave agar media?

Media containing agar should be heated to dissolve the agar before autoclaving. Bring the medium to the boil without scorching or burning. Most culture media will require final sterilization in an autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes.

Why are pH buffers added to growth media for microbes?

Why are buffers added to culture media? To maintain the pH level near neutral. Buffers are especially important in defined media because some bacteria produce so much acid as a by-product of metabolism that they inhibit their own growth.

What is the principle of an autoclave?

An autoclave is a device that works on the principle of moist heat sterilisation, wherein saturated steam is generated under pressure in order to kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and even heat-resistant endospores from various types of instruments.

How do you autoclave media?

Agar-free media will usually dissolve on gentle agitation. Media containing agar should be heated to dissolve the agar before autoclaving. Bring the medium to the boil without scorching or burning. Most culture media will require final sterilization in an autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes.

How does autoclave work?

Medical tools and equipment are placed inside an autoclave. The lid is sealed, air is removed from the autoclave, and then steam is pumped into the vessel. Heat and pressure are maintained long enough to kill microorganisms and bacteria in order to sterilize medical tools.

What is the result of autoclaving?

Autoclaves can inactivate fungi, bacteria, spores, viruses and other microorganisms on surgical instruments such as scalpels, forceps, scissors and other metal items. Because autoclaving sterilizes without the use of reagents and allows for the re-use of lab equipment and supplies, it is environmentally friendly.

Why is autoclaving not advisable for some culture media?

Examples of culture media that are not steam sterilized are Selenite Cysteine Broth, Tetrathionate Broth, Bismuth Sulfite and Hektoen Enteric Agars. Autoclaving as well as boiling longer than needed destroys the selectivity of the medium.