Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

So my experiment is to find which RGP contact lens storing solution is more effective than other brands in prohibiting growth of Staphylococcus Aureus. I'm confused about how to write the procedure. Questions:

How would I introduce S. Aureus into the different solutions? (there are five lens solutions being tested) Would I do it in a test tube or petri dish, and how? I'm really unsure how to culture S. Aureus!
After culturing, I plan on streaking each individual solution onto separate agar plates and incubating them. Or is culturing and incubating the same thing?
Also, is mannitol salt agar the best agar to grow S. Aureus on?

I would greatly appreciate help on my procure ASAP! Thanks!

How would you inoculate Staphyloccocus Aureus into a solution? Any efficient methods?
Thanks!

Hi,

Welcome to Science Buddies. This is a really great project idea! I think you might be able to adapt one of the antimicrobial agent projects on the Science Buddies website to your project.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p012.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

Does this give an idea of what you can do? Remember since this is a science project, you need to obtain measurable results.

Culturing is transferring bacteria to a suitable growth medium; incubating involves placing the broth or agar cultures in a suitable environment to allow time for growth.

If you are not familiar with microbiological techniques, you will find the following information helpful. This information includes details for using sterile technique to inoculate bacteria into growth media.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ques.shtml

Please post again if you have more questions.

Donna Hardy