This inexpensive easy to build spectrophotemeter uses off the shelf parts and can be used in the laboratory to calculate bacterial growth curves, perform starch assays, and measure protein concentration in a solution.
Build a SpectrophotometerIf you follow proper sterile technique, you will grow only the microbes you intend to grow, and you will keep them in their proper place.
Sterile TechniqueMicrobial growth media and other liquids used for working with microbes must be sterilized to prevent contaminants from growing in them.
Sterilizing LiquidsAll tools and supplies that contact your microbial cultures and samples should be sterile. Non–sterile objects may introduce bacteria and mold spores into your cultures.
Sterilizing Solid ObjectsYou don't need a lab full of fancy tools and glassware to do molecular biology.
Low–Tech Microbiology ToolsAgar plates are the standard solid support material for growing microorganisms. A number of biological supply companies sell pre–made plates, but making your own is much less expensive.
Making Agar PlatesMicrobial growth media provides nutrients and energy sources that microbes need to grow and multiply.
Media Recipes
