Sterilization

Sterilize anything that cells might grow in.

Autoclave glassware, tips, and microfuge tubes.

Autoclave most media and salt solutions.

Do not sterilize by autoclave items containing:

• detergents (e.g., SDS) - they can boil over

• heat sensitive ingredients (e.g., vitamins, hormones, antibiotics, proteins)

• sugar in growth medium (the sugars and amino acids may react together, reducing the concentration of both)

• HEPES

• DTT (dithiothreitol)

• Beta mercaptoethanol

• corrosives (e.g. acids, bases, phenol)

• solvents or volatiles (e.g. ethanol, methanol, chloroform, acetone, formaldehyde, formalin or glutaraldehyde)

• chlorine (e.g., bleach)

• anything radioactive

Filter sterilize any liquid that must be sterile, and that you cannot autoclave.