8 replies to this topic

[Samantha]

If I want to dissolve a compound in an organic solvent (E.g. DMSO, ethanol, methanol) for cell culture, do I need to do anything to sterilize after dissolving the compound? Thanks

samantha

[GeorgeWolff]

Solvents are not sterile per se and poor quality solvents can include substantial contamination - both from the reagent and, in the case of ethanol esp., from any water addition.   if you require sterility, there are commercial sources of sterile solvent.

[microgirl]

We usually filter sterlize things like this.

Samantha, on May 14 2009, 06:42 AM, said:

If I want to dissolve a compound in an organic solvent (E.g. DMSO, ethanol, methanol) for cell culture, do I need to do anything to sterilize after dissolving the compound? Thanks

samantha

[little mouse]

microgirl, on May 14 2009, 05:02 PM, said:

We usually filter sterlize things like this.

Samantha, on May 14 2009, 06:42 AM, said:

If I want to dissolve a compound in an organic solvent (E.g. DMSO, ethanol, methanol) for cell culture, do I need to do anything to sterilize after dissolving the compound? Thanks

samantha

don't try to filter sterilize DMSO, it will dissolve the glue that sticks the different parts of the filter.
But you can filter your medium or buffer after addition of DMSO.

[jah]

[/quote]don't try to filter sterilize DMSO, it will dissolve the glue that sticks the different parts of the filter. But you can filter your medium or buffer after addition of DMSO. [/quote]

You should definitely filter sterilize, and as LM suggests organics can cause problems with certain filters. You just have to be careful to use the filters compatible with your solvent of choice.   We routinely use  [url="http://labfilters.pall.com/catalog/laboratory_20018.asp"]DMSO safe filters [/url]available from Pall to sterilize DMSO and MeH/EtOH solutions.

[genehunter]

Maybe I am just being lazy or careless, but I have had no problem with unfiltered DMSO so far.
For EtOH and MeOH, no need either. Nothing will grow in these solvants.

[klinmed]

Samantha, on May 14 2009, 03:42 PM, said:

If I want to dissolve a compound in an organic solvent (E.g. DMSO, ethanol, methanol) for cell culture, do I need to do anything to sterilize after dissolving the compound? Thanks

samantha

I must agree with Genehunter. For many years I have been using DMSO for freezing cell cultured cells. I always make aliquots from a new bottle and store them frozen, but have never sterilized it. Never had a problem.  On the occasion that I have used EtOH I similarly have assumed that it is self-sterilizing.
I would just dissolve your compounds, store them for at least 30 minutes and then use.

If you feel that you must filter-sterilize remember to use a solvent-resistant filter!

Hope this helps

[GeorgeWolff]

It's not a matter of growth-it's contamination - from Bacillus (spores) to pseudomonads presumed to be due to biofilm contamination from water dilution to 70%.

[T C]

Hey,

Just freshly distill the solvents and use.  And avoid plastic when using solvents, solvents will leach out plastizers.

Best,
TC