Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

History of Microbiology

History of Microbiology

Microbiology, a scientific field dedicated to the study of microorganisms, has undergone profound development since its inception in the 17th century. Its history is marked by key discoveries and technological advancements that have shaped our understanding of life at the microscopic level and transformed medicine, agriculture, and industry.Early Foundations of MicrobiologyThe early foundations of microbiology were built on groundbreaking observations and the development of pioneering...

Pasteurization and Food Preservation

Pasteurization and Food Preservation

Pasteurization is a widely employed thermal processing technique designed to enhance the safety and shelf life of perishable food and beverages. By subjecting products to specific high temperatures for controlled durations, this method effectively inactivates pathogenic microorganisms and spoilage enzymes without significantly compromising sensory qualities. The technique has been pivotal in food safety management, especially for consumables susceptible to microbial contamination such as milk,...

Key Techniques in Microbiology

Key Techniques in Microbiology

Aseptic techniques prevent contamination, ensure experimental accuracy, and protect researchers and microbial cultures. These techniques are essential in clinical, industrial, and research settings where sterility is required.Maintaining Sterility in Laboratory PracticesScientists maintain sterility by sterilizing tools with heat or chemicals, disinfecting work surfaces, and handling cultures in controlled environments. Working near an open flame or within a laminar flow hood reduces the risk...

Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature

Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature

Heat is a widely used method to control microbial growth by targeting and denaturing cellular proteins, thereby killing or inactivating microbes. This method's effectiveness is quantified using parameters such as the thermal death point (TDP), thermal death time (TDT), and decimal reduction time (D value). TDP represents the lowest temperature at which all microorganisms in a liquid suspension are eliminated within 10 minutes, whereas TDT is the time necessary to achieve sterilization at a...

Rapid Identification of Pathogens

Rapid Identification of Pathogens

MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods

As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Allopurinol Protective Effect of Renal Ischemia by Downregulating TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 Response.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·2016

Same author

Surgical Scholarship and Research.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·2016

Same author

Akt: A Therapeutic Target in Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·2016

Same author

Hexokinase: A Glycolytic Enzyme with an Inflammatory Ischemia and Reperfusion Connection.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·2015

Same author

Understanding the Origins of Ischemia and Reperfusion.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·2015

Same author

Advances in Ischemia and Reperfusion.

Journal of investigative surgery : the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research·2015

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

PRP as a New Approach to Prevent Infection: Preparation and In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of PRP

PRP as a New Approach to Prevent Infection: Preparation and In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of PRP

Published on: April 9, 2013

Louis Pasteur surgical revolution.

Luis H Toledo-Pereyra¹

¹Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies,1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, USA. toledo@kcms.msu.edu

Journal of Investigative Surgery : the Official Journal of the Academy of Surgical Research

|March 14, 2009

Summary

Louis Pasteur revolutionized medicine by establishing the germ theory, which explained fermentation and disease. His work transformed surgery through antiseptic principles, improving patient care.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Medical History
Biochemistry

Background:

Louis Pasteur's scientific journey spanned from crystallography to microbiology, significantly impacting chemistry, biology, and medicine.
He investigated microorganisms' roles in fermentation and putrefaction, laying the groundwork for bacteriology.
Pasteur's research addressed critical contemporary issues, including disease and organic matter decomposition.

Discussion:

Pasteur's germ theory provided the scientific basis for understanding infectious diseases.
His work directly influenced Joseph Lister's antiseptic surgical practices, drastically reducing surgical infections.
The acceptance of germ theory marked a paradigm shift in medical and surgical care.

Key Insights:

The germ theory of disease, derived from Pasteur's fermentation studies, is a cornerstone of modern medicine.

More Related Videos

Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon

Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon

Published on: January 6, 2011

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: September 19, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

PRP as a New Approach to Prevent Infection: Preparation and In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of PRP

PRP as a New Approach to Prevent Infection: Preparation and In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of PRP

Published on: April 9, 2013

Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon

Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon

Published on: January 6, 2011

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: September 19, 2013

Pasteur's discoveries led to advancements in vaccination (e.g., rabies) and pasteurization.

His scientific contributions fundamentally altered the understanding and treatment of diseases and surgical procedures.

Outlook:

Pasteur's legacy continues to influence infectious disease research and public health strategies.
Ongoing research builds upon his foundational work in microbiology and immunology.
The principles of hygiene and antisepsis, pioneered by Pasteur, remain critical in contemporary healthcare settings.