Study of apparatus used in experimental microbiology
1. B.O.D. (Biological Oxygen Demand) Incubator:
Introduction:
The B.O.D. incubator is a specialized piece of equipment used in microbiology laboratories to create controlled environments for culturing microorganisms. It’s particularly important for organisms that require specific oxygen levels for growth, mimicking their natural habitats.
Mechanism:
The incubator maintains a consistent temperature and controlled oxygen concentration. This is achieved through the use of heating elements, cooling systems, and oxygen regulation mechanisms. Researchers can set the desired temperature and oxygen level to suit the needs of the microorganisms they are working with.
Applications:
B.O.D. incubators are used to culture microorganisms for various purposes, including environmental studies, water quality testing, and medical research. They are crucial for studying the decomposition of organic matter in water bodies, as well as for assessing the effects of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems.
2. Laminar Flow Cabinet and Aseptic Hood:
Introduction:
Laminar flow cabinets and aseptic hoods are essential tools for maintaining sterile environments in microbiology laboratories. They prevent airborne contaminants from coming into contact with experimental materials, ensuring the integrity of experiments.
Mechanism:
Laminar flow cabinets use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to create a continuous flow of clean air over the workspace. This prevents particles, including microorganisms, from settling on surfaces. Aseptic hoods provide a similar function but are more enclosed, providing a controlled space for working with sensitive materials.
Applications:
These tools are used when working with cultures, sensitive samples, or any materials that need to be protected from contamination. They are employed in tasks such as bacterial culturing, preparation of sterile media, and manipulation of cell cultures.
3. Autoclave:
Introduction:
An autoclave is a sterilization device used to eliminate microorganisms and other contaminants from equipment, media, and waste. It uses high-pressure steam to achieve sterilization.
Mechanism:
Autoclaves use steam under high pressure to kill microorganisms, including heat-resistant bacterial spores. The combination of high temperature and pressure ensures that even the most stubborn pathogens are eradicated.
Applications:
Autoclaves are crucial in microbiology laboratories to sterilize equipment like glassware, media, and surgical instruments. They are also used in medical settings to ensure that materials used in procedures are free from harmful microorganisms.
4. Hot Air Sterilizer:
Introduction:
A hot air sterilizer, also known as an oven, is another method of sterilization in microbiology laboratories. It uses dry heat to kill microorganisms.
Mechanism:
Hot air sterilizers operate by raising the temperature within the chamber to levels that are lethal to microorganisms. The dry heat dehydrates and denatures their proteins, effectively killing them.
Applications:
These sterilizers are used for items that can withstand higher temperatures without being damaged, such as glassware, metal instruments, and certain types of media.
5. Deep Freezer and Refrigerator:
Introduction:
Both the deep freezer and refrigerator are used for storing samples, reagents, and cultures in microbiology laboratories.
Mechanism:
A deep freezer maintains extremely low temperatures, often reaching below -20°C or even -80°C, which preserves the viability of bacterial cultures, enzymes, and other biological materials. The regular refrigerator maintains temperatures above freezing, ideal for storing less sensitive samples and reagents.
Applications:
Deep freezers are essential for the long-term storage of biological materials that need to be kept at very low temperatures, such as bacterial cultures and enzymes used in research. Regular refrigerators are used for short-term storage of materials that can tolerate slightly higher temperatures.
6. Microscopes:
Introduction:
Microscopes are fundamental tools in microbiology, enabling researchers to observe microorganisms and their structures at magnified levels.
Mechanism:
Microscopes use lenses and illumination systems to magnify and visualize small objects, making them visible to the human eye. They come in various types, including light microscopes and electron microscopes, each offering different levels of magnification and resolution.
Applications:
Microscopes are used to study the morphology, structure, and behavior of microorganisms. They are vital for identifying pathogens, characterizing cell structures, and advancing our understanding of microbial biology.
In conclusion, these instruments and processes are the cornerstones of experimental microbiology. From cultivating microorganisms in controlled environments to ensuring sterility and enabling precise observations, each element plays a pivotal role in advancing our knowledge of the microbial world. As you delve deeper into your studies and experiments, mastering these tools will empower you to contribute meaningfully to the fields of science, health, and technology.
Second Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
Suggested readings:
About Author
