3 major tools & techniques used for Plant Tissue Culture
pH and PH meter
The hydrogen ion concentration of most solutions is extremely low. In 1909 Sorenson introduced the term pH as a convenient way of expressing hydrogen ion concentration. pH of a solution is strictly defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity.
pH meter is a device used to measure the pH. It is used to adjust the required pH of the medium that is to be used for the proper growth and development of the specific plant.
Autoclave
An autoclave is used to sterilize medium, glassware, and tools for plant tissue culture. Sterilization is carried out by increasing moist heat (121 degrees Celsius) due to increased pressure inside the vessel (15–22 psi, pounds per square inch or 1.02 to 1.56 kg/cm2)for 15 minutes for routine sterilization. Moist heat kills the microorganism and makes the material contaminate free from microbes.
The autoclave may be constructed of aluminum, mild steel, or gunmetal. Industrial autoclaves can accommodate large trolleys containing large numbers of glassware or large bioreactors.
Laminar air flow bench
A laminar airflow bench is the main working table for aseptic manipulations related to plant tissue culture. This is equipment fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air ( HEPA) Filters, which allow air to pass but retain all the particles and microorganisms. These HEPA filters have small pore size( 0.3 with 99.97–99.99%) efficiency. Air blown by a blower is passed through filters thus, generally, a positive pressure of air is maintained from inside to outside. This positive pressure does not allow any particle to enter the working area of the LAF bench. Air pressure inside the instrument is measured by a manometer, and pressure of more than 12 bars shows choking of filters at this point filters should be replaced. The equipment is fitted with UV light, and a visible light source is switched on for 30 minutes before starting the work to make an area free from microbes.
Originally published at https://www.kiranjeetkaurbiotechnologist.com on February 16, 2024.
