Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I would like to culture bacteria from surfaces such as doorknobs. I am not sure about which type of Agar should be used. Can you help me by providling suggestions ? My teacher does have LB Agar, would that be suitable to use?

Hi Shannon,

This is a really great project idea! LB agar is a general all purpose bacteria growth medium without any inhibitors, so would be good to use for this project. The specific growth medium and techniques for collecting the bacteria and growing them should be controlled parameters in this experiment, and your only variable should be the doorknobs.

Here is a project idea from the Science Buddies website that you can adapt for your specific project. The procedure specifies nutrient agari, but LB agar is perfectlyy good to use also.

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

What question are you trying to answer with your project?

Please post again if you have more questions.

Donna Hardy