5 replies to this topic

[JMan]

Hello all. I was wondering if there is a good alternative to autoclaves for sterilizing flasks and such that are meant for growing bacteria. I am thinking some sort of chemical wash or something?
Just wondering

-JMan

[green]

How about UV lighting or 70% alcohol spray? Also there are plastic big flasks which are autoclavable.

Edited by green, 17 December 2004 - 05:33 PM.

[phage434]

Dry heat at 180C for several hours is an effective alternative.  Watch out for caps, however.  The orange Corning and similar 45mm caps for media bottles, specifically, melt.

[sharath]

Gamma sterilization is the ideal method of choice for best result.

[bob1]

Hi

You could try a 1% solution of sodium metabisulphite, this is sometimes used to sterilise flasks for brewing and wine making, and seems to be pretty effective.

[b3ka]

bob1, on Feb 28 2005, 09:38 AM, said:

You could try a 1% solution of sodium metabisulphite, this is sometimes used to sterilise flasks for brewing and wine making, and seems to be pretty effective.

1% Sodium met. is a good sterilizer but needs a lot of rinsing. Many home-brewers use either Iodophor or StarSan. As StarSan (a food-grade acid-based sanitizer) tends to leave a residue, I go for iodophor.  It's claimed effective at 12.5ppm titrable iodine with a 60second contact time. I use about  a couple of capfulls (10ml) in 25litre water.

Have a link about the pros and cons of various sterilization procedures.

http://www.hoslink.c...erilisation.htm


--
B3ka.
Lab grunt, geek and brewer.