Make Transformation Easy with EZ-Spread Plating Beads

[Syfwertson]

There's no need to get a special product for this, really. We've just got plain 3mm glass beads from sigma in our lab, dispensed in 50ml vials with screw tops that are autoclaved before use. After using them, they go into a big bottle full of disinfectant, we wash them, back into the 50ml vials and autoclave they go. Only loss glass beads is really people forgetting to take them out of their plates before throwing them away...

[excellentmike]

Regarding the agar; the beads should work fine with just about any agar so long as the concentration is >1.5%.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I will answer more quickly next time.

[haxforcandy]

O i-c you vent off the alcohol before putting them into your culture. I'm still stuck on what agar is used though.

[excellentmike]

Hi hax. Actually, if you watch the video again, you will see that he is not spraying the beads themselves with alcohol. He is just spraying the outside top of the container holding the beads (as a general precaution against contamination). The beads are provided sterile, so you do not have to sterilize them yourself.

[haxforcandy]

Hi, I was wondering if it matters what agar is used and also why doesn't the alcohol you put on your beads effect your culture? I thought it would kill the bacteria, mold etc.