Micro/SEM research: Tools and Set up Help?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on an undergraduate microbiology project focused on testing antibacterial methods against E. coli using ampicillin, vitamin C, and copper. The student seeks guidance on preparing a broth culture from a streak plate and counting bacterial cultures at various time intervals during the experiment. Key references suggested include "Current Protocols in Molecular Biology" and "Current Protocols in Microbiology," particularly for methodologies related to E. coli. The student aims to observe morphological changes under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and is concerned about accurately counting bacteria after treatment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of microbiological techniques, specifically broth culture preparation.
  • Familiarity with antibacterial agents, particularly ampicillin, vitamin C, and copper.
  • Knowledge of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for observing bacterial morphology.
  • Experience with time series experimental design in microbiology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for preparing broth cultures from streak plates.
  • Learn techniques for counting bacterial colonies, such as serial dilution and plating methods.
  • Study the effects of copper as an antibacterial agent, including its mechanisms of action.
  • Explore the use of SEM in microbiological research, focusing on sample preparation and imaging techniques.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate microbiology students, researchers conducting antibacterial studies, and anyone interested in applying SEM techniques to observe bacterial morphology.

lunaskye0
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Hey Everyone,

A while back I had posted a question here looking for some research ideas for an undergraduate project utilizing the SEM. It had to be microbiology related as I am combing credits for two courses. My project is about testing different antibacterial methods against E. coli; ampicillin, vitamin C, and copper.

I ran this by my professor, but she basically threw a ton of information my way.. Problem is, I haven't taken microbiology since a few years and it was not my strongest course. From what I can remember, she asked me to consider some factors in how I will test these methods.

Firstly, she has prepared a streak plate for me, and I will need to make them into a broth culture. How do I do that...?

I thought to do a time series as, especially copper, can eat up bacteria from anywhere up to two hours. She told me to consider counting the culture and then counting it in comparison. Perhaps this is an obvious question, but if its in a broth and I am dipping samples from the same culture into many vials of fixative at different time intervals, how can I count the culture number? Am I missing something?

I am just wondering if anyone has any suggestion as to the technical methods for how to carry out my project. I was just going to observe the morphological changes under SEM, but I didn't consider that some of the bacteria would actually be gone.

Thanks for any help!
 
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