Need help to sterilize a solution... - (Mar/24/2008 )

Hello all,

I have a protein solution that cannot be autoclaved. I have tried to filter though 0.2 micron inorganic membrane filter but always have contamination problems...
Can anyone tell me a simple way that I can sterilize my solution, besides filtration. I tryed adding pen-strep and fungizone, but the contamination is still there!
I cannot remember anything else...

Thankx...

Hello all,

I have a protein solution that cannot be autoclaved. I have tried to filter though 0.2 micron inorganic membrane filter but always have contamination problems...
Can anyone tell me a simple way that I can sterilize my solution, besides filtration. I tryed adding pen-strep and fungizone, but the contamination is still there!
I cannot remember anything else...

Thankx...

QUOTE (BioPe @ Mar 24 2008, 07:45 AM)

Hello all,

I have a protein solution that cannot be autoclaved. I have tried to filter though 0.2 micron inorganic membrane filter but always have contamination problems...
Can anyone tell me a simple way that I can sterilize my solution, besides filtration. I tryed adding pen-strep and fungizone, but the contamination is still there!
I cannot remember anything else...

Thankx...

Can you add sodium azide to it?

how about sterilizer filters?

like these: nalgene filter units

Gamma radiation, possibly short wave UV.

I'm surprised that a 0.2 micron syringe filter doesn't solve this problem for you easily.

Thanx for the suggestions...
I think I will try to use different 0.2 filters.

First check what are the possible source of contamination. For example if using water for dilute then autoclave the water. Check the bottles and other materials. Nalgene have filter units that comes with screw caps and the complete unit is sterile. If you have use filtration and reagents and still got contamination there is a possibility of problems of aseptic practice with the preparation and manage of the reagent.