Sterilizing Blood Serum - Autoclaving at 121°C

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In summary, the conversation discusses different methods for sterilizing a liquid medium containing blood serum. The options given are pasteurization, autoclaving, boiling, filtration, and freezing. The correct answer is stated to be autoclaving at 121 degrees celsius for 10 minutes. There is a question about why filtration cannot be used, to which it is explained that autoclaving is carefully optimized for its purposes and denaturation may occur, but it is still effective in sterilization. The conversation also raises questions about the composition and uses of blood serum.
  • #1
leena19
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Homework Statement



Which of the following methods is suitable to sterilize a liquid medium,containing blood serum?
(1) pasteurization (2) Autoclaving at 121degrees celsius for 10 minutes (3) Boiling at 100 degree celsius for 10 minutes (4) Filtration using a sterile membrane filter (5) Freezing at -20 degrees celsius
Ans given is (2)

Homework Equations


n/a



The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand why it can't be (4).Why can't we use a sterile filter to sterilize blood serum,afterall sterilization is to remove or kill any microorganisms present in a medium,right?
My other question is,isn't blood serum a thermolabile medium so how can we sterilize it by heating it,without denaturing any of the plasma proteins present?
 
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  • #2
What is in blood serum? What is it used for? Are you sure you want to filter everything away?

As for denaturation, yes some of that will happen, but I think you can be sure the temperature and time for autoclaving is carefully chosen and optimized for its purposes.
 
  • #3
Are you sure you want to filter everything away?
I didn't think of it that way.
Thanks.now I understand,why we can't use a filter.
 

What is the purpose of sterilizing blood serum through autoclaving at 121°C?

The purpose of sterilizing blood serum through autoclaving at 121°C is to eliminate all forms of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, that may be present in the serum. This ensures that the serum is free from any potential contaminants that could cause harm to individuals receiving the serum.

What is the process of autoclaving at 121°C for sterilizing blood serum?

The process of autoclaving at 121°C for sterilizing blood serum involves placing the serum in a sealed container or bottle and subjecting it to high pressure and high temperature steam. The combination of high pressure and high temperature effectively kills all living organisms in the serum, making it sterile.

Why is 121°C the chosen temperature for autoclaving blood serum?

The temperature of 121°C is chosen for autoclaving blood serum because it is the standard temperature required to kill all forms of microorganisms, including the most resilient type of spores. This temperature is also considered safe for most types of glass or plastic containers used for storing serum.

What are the advantages of sterilizing blood serum through autoclaving at 121°C?

The advantages of sterilizing blood serum through autoclaving at 121°C include its effectiveness in killing all forms of microorganisms, its relatively short process time, and its ability to sterilize large volumes of serum at once. Additionally, autoclaving is a cost-effective method compared to other sterilization techniques.

Are there any limitations or precautions to consider when autoclaving blood serum at 121°C?

Yes, there are some limitations and precautions to consider when autoclaving blood serum at 121°C. The serum must be placed in a sealed container to prevent contamination during the process. Additionally, some types of serum may be sensitive to high temperatures and may need to be autoclaved at a lower temperature. It is important to follow proper protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the sterilization process.

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