Capturing bacteria gets easier
12 Jan, 2006
Source: Lincoln University Media Release
Collecting anaerobic bacteria or research just got easier, thanks to the discovery that a variety of airtight containers available from the supermarket provide an ideal environment for the anaerobes.
Up until now the methods used to collect this type of bacteria, which are often pathogenic, have been expensive and also made it difficult to collect field samples.
The discovery that ‘click clack’ containers are perfect for growing bacteria in the absence of air was made by a scientist studying the bacteria that causes footrot in sheep and goats.
“Using these canisters has given a real boost to my work because they are far easier to use for taking samples in the field — in my case from sheep’s feet,” Grant Bennett from Lincoln University says.
“Samples of bugs can be placed immediately in an environment without oxygen. Previously, they would have to remain in air (which is poisonous to them) for up to four hours before arriving back at the laboratory.”
Grant adds that this way of growing bugs is cheaper, more convenient, saves preparation time, and overall is easier to do.
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- Published:
- 14 November 2007
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