Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
11:13
Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment
Published on: September 15, 2013
ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION OF TISSUE CULTURE MEDIA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 27, 1963
Summary
Ethylene oxide liquid effectively sterilized tissue culture media, replacing traditional antibiotics. This method shows promise for mammalian cell culture experiments, though some limitations exist.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Antibiotics are standard for sterilizing tissue culture media.
- Microbial contamination is a significant challenge in cell culture.
- Alternative sterilization methods are needed to overcome antibiotic resistance and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using liquid ethylene oxide for tissue culture medium sterilization.
- To assess its efficacy against common contaminants like bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
- To determine its applicability in mammalian cell culture experiments.
Main Methods:
- Liquid ethylene oxide was introduced into tissue culture medium.
- The medium was subsequently tested for sterility.
- Mammalian cell cultures were established using the sterilized medium.
Main Results:
- Ethylene oxide demonstrated bactericidal, yeasticidal, and fungicidal properties in the medium.
- Sterilization of tissue culture medium using ethylene oxide was feasible, with noted limitations.
- The method proved suitable for sterilizing test chemicals and medium components for mammalian cell culture.
Conclusions:
- Liquid ethylene oxide presents a viable alternative to antibiotics for tissue culture medium sterilization.
- This method supports the successful cultivation of mammalian cells.
- Further research may be needed to fully address the limitations of ethylene oxide sterilization in cell culture.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...
01:29Need for Obtaining Pure Cultures
Pure cultures, defined as the growth of a single microorganism species isolated from mixed populations, are fundamental tools in microbiological research and practical applications. These cultures ensure genetic and physiological uniformity, allowing researchers to study microbial traits under controlled conditions.Isolation and Maintenance of Pure CulturesObtaining a pure culture involves isolating a single microbial type from a mixed sample through techniques such as serial dilutions, streak...
01:28Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Pesticides often feature structurally complex chemical architectures, incorporating halogen groups and multiple aromatic rings. These characteristics confer high chemical stability, rendering many pesticides resistant to natural degradation processes. This resistance poses significant environmental concerns, as persistent pesticide residues can accumulate in ecosystems and affect non-target organisms.Despite the inherent stability of many pesticides, certain microorganisms possess the metabolic...
01:18Bioreactor Controls-II
In aerobic fermentations, oxygen is vital for microbial growth and metabolite production. Since air comprises only about 20% oxygen and the gas is poorly soluble in water—just 9 ppm at 20°C—supplying sufficient oxygen becomes a critical challenge, especially in high-demand processes like yeast growth or citric acid production. Even a fully saturated broth may offer only a few seconds of oxygen availability.To address this, sterile or scrubbed air is introduced into the fermentor via a sparger...