Sciencemadness Discussion Board

DIY Microbiology Questions

Falvin - 18-9-2024 at 15:51

I want to do an experiment and try to grow some of the bacteria that are found on my skin. I have some questions regarding how to do that:

1. How do I prepare the growth medium to grow the bacteria?
2. How much time is needed to see visible growth?
3. Besides a Petri dish, a light microscope, and the chemicals to make the growth medium, what else do I need?
4. What reagents do I need to prepare a growth medium? I don't really care which of the many species of bacteria on my skin will end up predominating
5. What are the conditions needed for the bacteria to grow? I reckon that my experimental protocol would simply be something along the lines of "Dip my finger into the growth medium and see what grows".
6. What, if any, safety precautions do I need to take?

Precipitates - 18-9-2024 at 19:25

Many of the answers to these questions are covered in the following article (I'm sure there are plenty of others):

How To Grow Bacteria and More


Rainwater - 19-9-2024 at 00:36

very, very clean. Once you scrubbed it perfectly, you're about 25% done.
Ipa(rubbing alcohol) and a boiling pot are a good start.
Next is a clean box. Something to keep the samples in so you can control/monitor the atmosphere and prevent dust.
A wish list would include co2, o2, humidity, and temperature controls

As for growth medium, i perfer fresh strawberry and lemons mash. But that is a different type of procedure.
The though emporium - He's the microbiologist to watch, from basic to lasers
https://youtu.be/L0o51eco6Vg?si=UcqMjqER1xwM7rXK


[Edited on 19-9-2024 by Rainwater]