An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres

Details An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres

Feb 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005asbio...5...75t&link_type=abstract

Astrobiology, Volume 5, Issue 1, pp. 75-82.

Biology

1

Cyanobacteria, Algae, Artificial Atmospheres, Photosynthesis, Equipment

Scientific paper

Given the need for a light source, cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic microorganisms can be difficult and expensive to grow in large quantities. Lighted growth chambers and incubators typically cost 50-100% more than standard microbiological incubators. Self-shading of cells in liquid cultures prevents the growth of dense suspensions. Growing liquid cultures on a shaker table or lighted shaker incubator achieves greater cell densities, but adds considerably to the cost. For experiments in which gases other than air are required, the cost for conventional incubators increases even more. We describe an apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms in exotic atmospheres that can be built relatively inexpensively (approximately $100 U.S.) using parts available from typical hardware or department stores (e.g., Wal-mart or K-mart). The apparatus uses microfiltered air (or other gases) to aerate, agitate, and mix liquid cultures, thus achieving very high cell densities (A750 > 3). Because gases are delivered to individual culture tubes, a variety of gas mixes can be used without the need for enclosed chambers. The apparatus works with liquid cultures of unicellular and filamentous species, and also works with agar slants.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1749489