Improved chamber for the isolation of anaerobic microorganisms

A small portable chamber for the recovery of anaerobic bacteria is described. This rigid chamber is constructed of clear acrylic with dimensions of 30 inches (ca. 76.2 cm) wide, 18 inches (ca. 44.7 cm) deep, and 18 inches (ca. 44.7 cm) high. Conventional bacteriological techniques can be used inside the chamber to efficiently isolate strict anaerobic organisms. An adapter allows the attachment of a standard anaerobic jar to the outside of the chamber. The jar can be used to store reduced media. Once the jar is attached to the chamber and the media is removed to the interior of the chamber, the jar is available to receive inoculated media. The anaerobic jar can then be removed from the chamber, without contaminating the jar or chamber with oxygen, and be placed in a conventional 37degreesC incubator. This chamber also allows the microbiologist to process cultures without wearing gloves as was necessary with previous anaerobic chambers. Air-tight latex rubber sleeves seal around the microbiologists arms and to the armport flange of the chamber to prevent the introduction of oxygen into the chamber. Anaerobic conditions are maintained by circulating a 80% N2, 10% H2, 10% CO2 gas mixture through alumina pellets coated with palladium. This study indicates that anaerobic conditions obtained in this chamber are sufficient for recovery of obligate anaerobes.