Antibiotics for use in culture media?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of antibiotics in culture media to prevent contamination while growing protozoa. Participants explore various types of antibiotics, their effectiveness against specific bacterial strains, and sources for obtaining them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about affordable sources for generic antibiotics suitable for protozoa culture.
  • Another suggests conducting a literature search on selective media specific to the protozoan of interest.
  • A participant mentions using streptomycin for a fungus, noting that it does not disrupt protein synthesis in that organism.
  • There is a suggestion to consider antibiotics that target bacterial cell walls, such as ampicillin.
  • One participant reiterates the need for an antibiotic that kills most gram negatives without affecting eukaryotic mitochondria, ruling out aminoglycosides.
  • Another participant agrees with the recommendation to check Invitrogen's website for resources and mentions using ampicillin for selecting transfected bacteria.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best antibiotic options and sources, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the most suitable antibiotics for the intended purpose.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight specific antibiotics and their mechanisms, while others suggest different approaches without resolving the effectiveness of each option. The discussion does not clarify the specific protozoan being cultured, which may influence antibiotic choice.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and students involved in microbiology, particularly those working with protozoa and seeking to prevent contamination in culture media.

Spirochete
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I have a couple questions about using antibiotics in culture media to prevent contamination while growing protozoa:

1) Where would be a good place to look for cheap generic antibiotics to use for this purpose?

2) I'm looking for an antibiotic that kills most gram negatives but has no effect on eukaryotic mitochondria. This rules out kanamycin and other aminoglycosides because they act on the 16S ribosomal subunit which is present in mitochondria. If it kills gram positives too that's great. I also value cheapness.
 
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I would start with a literature search on selective media used for you particular protozoan?

In my research, I've used selective media for a particular fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, To eliminate bacteria, this included acidification and the aminoglycoside, streptomycin. Evidently protein synthesis of Macrophomina is not disrupted by this class of antibiotic. I don't recall where I ordered the streptomycin. If this is for educational research, you may be able to get a discount by ordering directly from the manufacturer.
 
Anything targeting the bacterial cell wall should do fine. Like e.g. ampicillin.
 
Spirochete said:
I have a couple questions about using antibiotics in culture media to prevent contamination while growing protozoa:

1) Where would be a good place to look for cheap generic antibiotics to use for this purpose?

2) I'm looking for an antibiotic that kills most gram negatives but has no effect on eukaryotic mitochondria. This rules out kanamycin and other aminoglycosides because they act on the 16S ribosomal subunit which is present in mitochondria. If it kills gram positives too that's great. I also value cheapness.

I agree with Monique- check Invitrogen's website. They have a lot of tutorial information available.

I use ampicillin (resistance) to select out transfected bacteria, which may work for you as well.
 

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