Correct storage of dehydrated culture media powder is essential to maintain the efficacy of the product. Here we show you exactly what incorrect storage can do the media.
Video Transcript
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Correct storage of the powder is essential to maintain the efficacy of the product.
The main areas of concern for dehydrated culture media are moisture heat and light damage.
Many DCM products are hygroscopic which are substances that have the tendency to absorb moisture from the air or contain hygroscopic components such as lithium chloride.
Light damage is also common due to photo active compounds these are substances capable of a chemical or physical change in the response to illumination. This is something that is found common in dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol agar.
The majority of DCM products, unless stated otherwise, in the manufacturer's instructions for use should be stored between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius in a dark and dry area with the lids closed securely to prevent moisture getting in.
Here I have three examples of dehydrated culture media. Each one progressively more moisture damage than the other. It is for this reason that one of the first physical checks we would advise if you are uncertain about the integrity of your media following storage is to check that the powder is fine free-flowing and homogeneous as you can see with this last sample.
