Oxidation

[deleted-404492]

My project involves oxidizing Saccharomyces Cerevisiae using Hydrogen Peroxide in order to test the anti-oxidative properties of different substances, so I was wondering if by giving the yeast pure Hydrogen Peroxide will the (antioxidant supplemented) yeast die, and if so how can I dilute the Hydrogen Peroxide so that it is not as potent.

Thanks for the help!

[deleted-404492]

Re above: I was wondering if it would be best to dilute Hydrogen Peroxide using saline, distilled water or another substance.

Thanks

[deleted-190322]

Hi, there! This is a very good question. I would suggest diluting your hydrogen peroxide in saline rather than distilled water, since the water could cause the cells to swell via osmosis and possibly burst. For this reason, we generally don't treat cells with reagents in water. In terms of the final concentration of hydrogen peroxide, I don't know offhand. I would recommend you search the scientific literature or perhaps other science fair project experiments to identify a good starting point. Otherwise, you might just need to try a few different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to see what dose can still be protected by your antioxidants of interest. Good luck!

[deleted-404492]

Hi! Thank you very much for replying I was also wondering if I am using a solution that has 3 percent hydrogen peroxide what do I have to dilute to down to such that it can effectively oxidize the yeast without killing the cells. What quantity of saline should I use to do so if I am diluting 0.5mL of Hydrogen Peroxide.

Thanks again!

[deleted-190322]

Happy to help! I'm really not sure what concentration of hydrogen peroxide will be strong enough to oxidize the cells without killing them, but searching the scientific literature and/or other science fair projects should help give you a sense of where to start. Otherwise, you might just need to test a few different concentrations to see what works.

In terms of calculating how to dilute your hydrogen peroxide, use this formula:
(C1)(V1) = (C2)(V2)
where:
C1 = starting concentration
V1 = volume of solution of starting concentration
C2 = final/desired concentration
V2 = volume of solution of final/desired concentration
So for example, say you decide that you want to treat your cells with 1% hydrogen peroxide (C2). If you're starting with 0.5ml (V1) of 3% hydrogen peroxide (C1), then you would calculate:
(C1)(V1) = (C2)(V2)
(3)(0.5) = (1)(V2)
1.5 = V2
meaning the final volume when you're treating your cells will be 1.5ml, of which 0.5ml will be your 3% hydrogen peroxide.

[deleted-404492]

Thanks so much!

[deleted-190322]

You’re very welcome! Good luck!