Special thanks to Cori Sanders at Iroc Designs for preparing illustrations and to Kris Reddi and Bhairav Shah at UCLA for setting up sample cultures and assisting with figures. Funding for this project was provided by HHMI (HHMI Grant No. 52006944).

<ol>
	<li>Barker, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> At the Bench: A Laboratory Navigator. , (1998).</li><li>US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Biosafety in Microbiological And Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). , (2009).</li><li>Dulbecco, R., Vogt, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Some+problems+of+animal+virology+as+studied+by+the+plaque+technique.">Some problems of animal virology as studied by the plaque technique.</a> Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 18, 273-279 (1953).</li><li>Fields, B. N., Knipe, D. M., Chanock, R. M., Hirsch, M. S., Melnick, J. L., Monath, T. P., Roizman, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Fields Virology. 1, (1991).</li><li>Gilbert, R. A., Ouwerkerk, D., Zhang, L. H., Klieve, A. V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cooperative+Research+Center+for+Beef+Genetic+Technologies.+In+vitro+detection+and+primary+cultivation+of+bacteria+producing+materials+inhibitory+to+ruminal+methanogens.">Cooperative Research Center for Beef Genetic Technologies. In vitro detection and primary cultivation of bacteria producing materials inhibitory to ruminal methanogens.</a> Journal of Microbiological Methods. 80, 217-218 (2010).</li><li>Jett, B. D., Hatter, K. L., Huycke, M. M., Gilmore, M. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simplified+agar+plate+method+for+quantifying+viable+bacteria.">Simplified agar plate method for quantifying viable bacteria.</a> BioTechniques. 23, 648-650 (1997).</li><li>Karam, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Molecular Biology of Bacteriophage T4. , (1994).</li><li>Knipe, D. M., Howley, P. M., Griffin, D. E., Lamb, R. A., Martin, M. A., Roizman, B., Straus, S. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Fundamental Virology. , (2001).</li><li>Lederberg, J., Lederberg, E. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Replica+plating+and+indirect+selection+of+bacterial+mutants.">Replica plating and indirect selection of bacterial mutants.</a> J. Bacteriol. 63, 399-406 (1952).</li><li>Miller, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> A Short Course in Bacterial Genetics: A Laboratory Manual and Handbook for Escherichia coli and related bacteria. , (1992).</li><li>Mills, K. V., Gareau, J. R., Garcia, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Low-cost+modification+to+the+Copacabana+method+for+spreading+transformation+mixtures.">Low-cost modification to the Copacabana method for spreading transformation mixtures.</a> BioTechniques. 39, 188 (2005).</li><li>Jordan, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> RESEARCH: National Genomics Research Initiative Phage Resource Laboratory Manual. , (2008).</li><li>Sambrook, J., Russell, D. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Molecular Cloning - A Laboratory Manual. , (2001).</li><li>Sanders, E. R., Miller, J. H. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Microbiologist: A Discovery-based Course in Microbial Ecology and Molecular Evolution. , (2010).</li><li>Slonczewski, J. L., Foster, J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Microbiology - An Evolving Science. , (2011).</li><li>Teather, R. M., Wood, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+Congo+Red-Polysaccharide+Interactions+in+Enumeration+and+Characterization+of+Cellulolytic+Bacteria+from+the+Bovine+Rumen.">Use of Congo Red-Polysaccharide Interactions in Enumeration and Characterization of Cellulolytic Bacteria from the Bovine Rumen.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 43, 777-780 (1982).</li><li>Wise, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Preparing Spread Plates Protocols. , (2006).</li><li>Worthington, M., Luo, R. Q., Pelo, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Copacabana+method+for+spreading+E.+coli+and+yeast+colonies.">Copacabana method for spreading E. coli and yeast colonies.</a> BioTechniques. 30, 738-742 (2001).</li></ol>

I have nothing to disclose.

Culturing microorganisms involves a number of plating methods, all of which require that aseptic technique be maintained throughout the manipulation of cells and media. Five different procedures were described in this protocol. Although these plating techniques are routinely used to manipulate bacteria and phage, they also can be applied to mammalian cell culture and eukaryotic microorganisms commonly used in molecular genetics such as yeast (i.e., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Schizosaccharomyces pombe), algae and protozoa (i.e., Volvox, Chlamydomonas, Amoeba, Paramecium), and nematodes (i.e., Caenorhabditis elegans). There also are numerous (and even more sophisticated) variations of each plating method depending on the experimental goal or organism under study. Thus, it is important to not only select the most appropriate technique for a given experiment or target microorganism but also to tailor the methodology such that the experimental outcomes suitably address the research question or problem.
Some of the most current applications of the plating techniques discussed in this protocol involve technological advances that yield high-throughput results for screening and drug discovery experiments. For example, genome sequencing centers use the "Copacabana Method" for spread-plating clone libraries, which are E. coli cells transformed with plasmids containing DNA fragments derived from the genome of a microorganism. Because dozens of large plates (called bioassay trays) are prepared at once, an automated plate shaker is used to shake the glass beads for the entire batch of trays. Furthermore, when selecting colonies from these plates following incubation, a robotic colony picker is used to collect cells from appropriate colonies as the inoculum for LB broth in 384-well microplates. For this high-throughput screening assay, the procedural principles of the spread-plate technique apply but technology allows various steps to be automated and scaled to permit a large number of samples to be analyzed simultaneously and within a short time frame.
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies invest considerable resources in the development of high-throughput technology for the most basic techniques in microbiology and molecular genetics. For instance, there are multi-channel micropipettors to perform volume transfers for up to 8 or 12 samples at once. There even are robotic workstations that maneuver a 96-channel pipette head! These efforts involve multi-disciplinary teams of scientists, pairing biologists that possess methodological expertise with engineers and computer programmers who can develop the instrumentation needed to perform the mechanical operations associated with the experiments. Regardless of the research application, the goal shared by companies developing these technologies is the same - to automate laboratory processes, tools, systems and instruments, making them less labor intensive and more efficient.

1. Yeast Tryptone Agar (YTA)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Yeast extract</td>
			<td>2.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tryptone</td>
			<td>10.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>15.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>pH 7.0</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Store at 4&deg;C.
If preparing tubes for the pour-plate procedure, allow the agar to cool to ~55&deg;C then add 2.0 ml of 50 mg/ml cycloheximide. Aseptically dispense 18.0 ml of the melted agar per 18 mm tube then store at 4&deg;C. The agar will solidify and will need to be melted in a steamer or microwave prior to use.
2. Minimal Salts Agar (MSA) + 0.1% (w/v) carbon source
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>NH4Cl</td>
			<td>1.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NH2HPO4&bull;2H2O</td>
			<td>2.14 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KH2PO4</td>
			<td>1.09 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MgSO4&bull;7H2O</td>
			<td>0.2 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carbon source*</td>
			<td>1.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trace salts solution**</td>
			<td>10.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>15.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>pH 7.0</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Store at 4&deg;C.
* Carbon sources used for experiments presented in Figure 13 include acetamide, lactose, and glycine.
** Trace salts solution is prepared in 0.1 N HCl as follows. It is added to the base before sterilization (autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes).
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>FeSO4&bull;7H2O</td>
			<td>300.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MnCl2&bull;4H2O</td>
			<td>180.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Co(NO3)2&bull;6H2O</td>
			<td>130.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ZnSO4.7H2O</td>
			<td>40.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>H2MoO4</td>
			<td>20.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CuSO4&bull;5H2O</td>
			<td>1.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CaCl2</td>
			<td>1000.0 mg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HCl (0.1 N)</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
3. EHA soft agar (0.65 % w/v)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>6.5 g</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tryptone</td>
			<td>13.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>8.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Na Citrate&bull;2H2O</td>
			<td>2.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>3.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Store at 4&deg;C.
4. EHA hard agar (1.2% w/v)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>12.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tryptone</td>
			<td>13.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>8.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Na Citrate&bull;2H2O</td>
			<td>2.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>3.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Store at 4&deg;C.
5. 1X Middlebrook Top Agar (MBTA soft agar, 0.5% w/v)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>100 mM CaCl2 stock*</td>
			<td>1 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7H9 liquid medium: Neat **</td>
			<td>50 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2XTA ***</td>
			<td>50 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Melt 50 ml of 2XTA and allow it to cool to ~55&deg;C. Using aseptic technique, add the CaCl2 and 7H9 broth to the melted agar. Aseptically dispense 4.5 ml of the mixture per 13 mm tube and store in a 55&deg;C incubator &le;7 days. Cooling MBTA to room temperature or 4&deg;C will cause the CaCl2 to precipitate out of solution.
* 100 mM CaCl2. stock must be stored at room temperature to prevent CaCl2 from precipitating out of solution.
** 7H9 liquid medium: Neat
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>7H9 broth base</td>
			<td>4.7 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40% glycerol stock</td>
			<td>5 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 900.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Mix the base with water then add the glycerol while stirring. Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Store at 4&deg;C.
*** 2X Middlebrook Top Agar (2XTA, 1.0% w/v)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>7H9 broth base</td>
			<td>4.7 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>1.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Dispense 50 ml aliquots into 100 ml bottles and store at 4&deg;C.
6. Middlebrook 7H10 Agar Plates (MHA hard agar, 1.9% w/v)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>7H10 agar base</td>
			<td>19.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40% glycerol stock</td>
			<td>12.5 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>887.5 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Mix the agar base with water then add the glycerol while stirring. Heat the solution to boiling then stir for one minute to completely dissolve the base powder. Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Allow the agar to cool to ~55&deg;C then aseptically add the following reagents:
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>AD supplement (pre-warmed to 37&deg;C)*</td>
			<td>100 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50 mg/ml Carbenicillin **</td>
			<td>1.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10 mg/ml Cycloheximide **</td>
			<td>1.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
* AD supplement
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl &gt;</td>
			<td>17 g &gt;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Albumin (Fraction V)&gt;</td>
			<td>100 g&gt;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dextrose (D-Glucose)&gt;</td>
			<td>40 g&gt;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water&gt;</td>
			<td>up to 2000.0 ml&gt;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Filter-sterilize this solution; do not autoclave. Store at 4&deg;C.
** Filter-sterilize and store these solutions at 4&deg;C for &le;60 days.
7. LB agar (1.5% w/v) + X-Gal (60 &mu;g/ml)
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Tryptone</td>
			<td>10.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Yeast extract</td>
			<td>5.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>10.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>15.0 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Distilled water</td>
			<td>up to 1000.0 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>pH 7.5 at 25&deg;C</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Autoclave at 121&deg;C for 20 minutes to sterilize. Allow the agar to cool to ~55&deg;C then aseptically add 3.0 ml of 20 mg/ml X-Gal solution. Freshly prepare X-gal stock by dissolving 400 mg X-Gal in 20 ml dimethylformamide (DMF).
Table of specific reagents:
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of the reagent</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalogue number</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Yeast extract</td>
			<td>Becton Dickenson</td>
			<td>212750</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tryptone</td>
			<td>Becton Dickenson</td>
			<td>211705</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>Becton Dickenson</td>
			<td>214030</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NH4Cl</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
			<td>123340010</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NH2HPO4&bull;2H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>30435</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KH2PO4</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>BP 303-500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MgSO4&bull;7H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>230391</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetamide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>A-0500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lactose</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>L6-500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycine</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>G-7126</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FeSO4&bull;7H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>F8048</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MnCl2&bull;4H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>M-3634</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Co(NO3)2&bull;6H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>230375</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ZnSO4.7H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>Z4750</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>H2MoO4</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
			<td>213621000</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CuSO4&bull;5H2O</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>209198</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CaCl2</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>C1016</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HCl</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A144-212</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cycloheximide</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>038K1561</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carbenicillin</td>
			<td>Cellgro</td>
			<td>46-100-RG</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S271-1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Na Citrate&bull;2H2O</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S279-500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose (Dextrose)</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>215530</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7H9 broth base</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>271310</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7H10 agar base</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>262710</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycerol</td>
			<td>Shelton</td>
			<td>IB15760</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Albumin (Fraction V)</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S71907</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-&beta;-D-galactopyranoside)</td>
			<td>Teknova</td>
			<td>X1205</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dimethylformamide (DMF)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>D4551</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>CDA19</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chlorine Bleach</td>
			<td>Chlorox</td>
			<td>02490/06644884</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CiDecon (disinfectant)</td>
			<td>Decon Laboratories, Inc.</td>
			<td>8504</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table of specific equipment:
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalogue number</td>
			<td>Experiment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Metal loops</td>
			<td>American Educational Products</td>
			<td>S17352</td>
			<td> Streak plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disposable plastic loops</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>22-363-602</td>
			<td> Streak plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wooden sticks</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>23-400-104</td>
			<td> Streak plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flat Toothpicks</td>
			<td>American Educational Products</td>
			<td>S67859</td>
			<td>Streak plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Turn tables</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>08-758Q</td>
			<td>Spread plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass rods</td>
			<td>Bellco Glass</td>
			<td>NC9004380</td>
			<td>Spread plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4 mm glass beads</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>11-312B</td>
			<td>Spread plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Velveteen cloth</td>
			<td>Bel-Art Products</td>
			<td>09-718-2</td>
			<td>Replica plating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cylindrical block</td>
			<td>Bel-Art Products</td>
			<td>09-718-1</td>
			<td>Replica plating</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

aseptic laboratory techniques: plating methods

Microorganisms are present on all inanimate surfaces creating ubiquitous sources of possible contamination in the laboratory. Experimental success relies on the ability of a scientist to sterilize work surfaces and equipment as well as prevent contact of sterile instruments and solutions with non-sterile surfaces. Here we present the steps for several plating methods routinely used in the laboratory to isolate, propagate, or enumerate microorganisms such as bacteria and phage. All five methods incorporate aseptic technique, or procedures that maintain the sterility of experimental materials. Procedures described include (1) streak-plating bacterial cultures to isolate single colonies, (2) pour-plating and (3) spread-plating to enumerate viable bacterial colonies, (4) soft agar overlays to isolate phage and enumerate plaques, and (5) replica-plating to transfer cells from one plate to another in an identical spatial pattern. These procedures can be performed at the laboratory bench, provided they involve non-pathogenic strains of microorganisms (Biosafety Level 1, BSL-1). If working with BSL-2 organisms, then these manipulations must take place in a biosafety cabinet. Consult the most current edition of the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) as well as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for Infectious Substances to determine the biohazard classification as well as the safety precautions and containment facilities required for the microorganism in question. Bacterial strains and phage stocks can be obtained from research investigators, companies, and collections maintained by particular organizations such as the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). It is recommended that non-pathogenic strains be used when learning the various plating methods. By following the procedures described in this protocol, students should be able to: 
 
&#9679; Perform plating procedures without contaminating media. 
&#9679; Isolate single bacterial colonies by the streak-plating method. 
&#9679; Use pour-plating and spread-plating methods to determine the concentration of bacteria. 
&#9679; Perform soft agar overlays when working with phage. 
&#9679; Transfer bacterial cells from one plate to another using the replica-plating procedure. 
&#9679; Given an experimental task, select the appropriate plating method.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods at JoVE.com

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

When working with media and reagents used to culture microorganisms, aseptic technique must be practiced to ensure contamination is minimized. A variety of plating methods are routinely used to isolate, propagate, or enumerate bacteria and phage, all of which incorporate procedures that maintain the sterility of experimental materials.

Microorganisms are present on all inanimate surfaces creating ubiquitous sources of possible contamination in the laboratory. Experimental success relies ...

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725.8K Views.  University of California, Los Angeles. When working with media and reagents used to culture microorganisms, aseptic technique must be practiced to ensure contamination is minimized. A variety of plating methods are routinely used to isolate, propagate, or enumerate bacteria and phage, all of which incorporate procedures that maintain the sterility of experimental materials.

Video: Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Plating Methods

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview

Techniques for Imaging Ca2+ Signaling in Human Sperm

Fluorescence microscopy of cells loaded with fluorescent, Ca2+-sensitive dyes is used for measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of Ca2+ signaling in live cells. Here we describe the method used in our laboratories for loading suspensions of human sperm with Ca2+-reporting dyes and measuring the fluorescence signal during physiological stimulation. Motile cells are isolated by direct swim-up and incubated under capacitating conditions for 0-24 h, depending upon the experiment. The cell-permeant AM (acetoxy methyl ester) ester form of the Ca2+-reporting dye is then added to a cell aliquot and a period of 1 h is allowed for loading of the dye into the cytoplasm. We use visible wavelength dyes to minimize photo-damage to the cells, but this means that ratiometric recording is not possible. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed. During the loading period cells are introduced into an imaging chamber and allowed to adhere to a poly-D-lysine coated coverslip. At the end of the loading period excess dye and loose cells are removed by connection of the chamber to the perfusion apparatus. The chamber is perfused continuously, stimuli and modified salines are then added to the perfusion header. Experiments are recorded by time-lapse acquisition of fluorescence images and analyzed in detail offline, by manually drawing regions of interest. Data are normalized to pre-stimulus levels such that, for each cell (or part of a cell), a graph showing the Ca2+ response as % change in fluorescence is obtained.

Techniques for Imaging Ca2+ Signaling in Human Sperm

Stimulus-evoked [Ca2+]i signals of individual human sperm are assessed. Motile cells are loaded with Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye (AM-ester method) and immobilised in a perfusable chamber. Cells are imaged by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and stimulated via the perfusing medium. Responses of single cells (or regions) are analysed offline using Excel.

Fluorescence microscopy of cells loaded with fluorescent, Ca2+-sensitive dyes is used for measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of Ca2+ signaling in ...

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Volume Transfers with Serological Pipettes and Micropipettors

Microorganisms are everywhere - in the air, soil, and human body as well as on inanimate surfaces like laboratory benches and computer keyboards. The ubiquity of microbes creates a copious supply of potential contaminants in a laboratory. To ensure experimental success, the number of contaminants on equipment and work surfaces must be minimized. Common among many experiments in microbiology are techniques involving the measurement and transfer of cultures containing bacterial cells or viral particles. To do so without contacting non-sterile surfaces or contaminating sterile media requires (1) preparing a sterile workspace, (2) precisely setting and accurately reading instruments for aseptic transfer of liquids, and (3) properly manipulating instruments, cultures flasks, bottles and tubes within a sterile field. Learning these procedures calls for training and practice. At first, actions should be slow, deliberate, and controlled with the goal being for aseptic technique to become second nature when working at the bench. Here we present the steps for measuring volumes using serological pipettes and micropipettors within a sterile field created by a Bunsen burner. Volumes range from microliters (&mu;l) to milliliters (ml) depending on the instrument used. Liquids commonly transferred include sterile broth or chemical solutions as well as bacterial cultures and phage stocks. By following these procedures, students should be able to: &#8226;Work within the sterile field created by the Bunsen burner flame. &#8226;Use serological pipettes without compromising instrument sterility.&#8226; Aspirate liquids with serological pipettes, precisely reading calibrated volumes by aligning the meniscus formed by the liquid to the graduation marks on the pipette. &#8226;Keep culture bottles, flasks, tubes and their respective caps sterile during liquid transfers. &#8226;Identify different applications for plastic versus glass serological pipettes. &#8226;State accuracy limitations for micropipettors. &#8226;Precisely and accurately set volumes on micropipettors. &#8226;Know how to properly use the first and second stop on a micropipettor to aspirate and transfer correct volumes.

When working in a laboratory, it is imperative to minimize sources of contamination. Aseptic technique refers to procedures that permit transfer of cultures and reagents while avoiding contact with non-sterile surfaces. Serological pipettes and micropipettors are used to measure precise volumes without compromising sterility of solutions used in experiments.

Microorganisms are everywhere - in the air, soil, and human body as well as on inanimate surfaces like laboratory benches and computer keyboards. The ...

Optimized Staining and Proliferation Modeling Methods for Cell Division Monitoring using Cell Tracking Dyes

Fluorescent cell tracking dyes, in combination with flow and image cytometry, are powerful tools with which to study the interactions and fates of different cell types in vitro and in vivo.1-5 Although there are literally thousands of publications using such dyes, some of the most commonly encountered cell tracking applications include monitoring of:
<ol>
	<li>stem and progenitor cell quiescence, proliferation and/or differentiation6-8</li>
	<li>antigen-driven membrane transfer9 and/or precursor cell proliferation3,4,10-18 and</li>
	<li>immune regulatory and effector cell function1,18-21.</li>
</ol>
Commercially available cell tracking dyes vary widely in their chemistries and fluorescence properties but the great majority fall into one of two classes based on their mechanism of cell labeling. "Membrane dyes", typified by PKH26, are highly lipophilic dyes that partition stably but non-covalently into cell membranes1,2,11. "Protein dyes", typified by CFSE, are amino-reactive dyes that form stable covalent bonds with cell proteins4,16,18. Each class has its own advantages and limitations. The key to their successful use, particularly in multicolor studies where multiple dyes are used to track different cell types, is therefore to understand the critical issues enabling optimal use of each class2-4,16,18,24.
The protocols included here highlight three common causes of poor or variable results when using cell-tracking dyes. These are:
<ol>
	<li>Failure to achieve bright, uniform, reproducible labeling. This is a necessary starting point for any cell tracking study but requires attention to different variables when using membrane dyes than when using protein dyes or equilibrium binding reagents such as antibodies.</li>
	<li>Suboptimal fluorochrome combinations and/or failure to include critical compensation controls. Tracking dye fluorescence is typically 102 - 103 times brighter than antibody fluorescence. It is therefore essential to verify that the presence of tracking dye does not compromise the ability to detect other probes being used.</li>
	<li>Failure to obtain a good fit with peak modeling software. Such software allows quantitative comparison of proliferative responses across different populations or stimuli based on precursor frequency or other metrics. Obtaining a good fit, however, requires exclusion of dead/dying cells that can distort dye dilution profiles and matching of the assumptions underlying the model with characteristics of the observed dye dilution profile.</li>
</ol>
Examples given here illustrate how these variables can affect results when using membrane and/or protein dyes to monitor cell proliferation.

Successful use of cell tracking dyes to monitor immune cell function and proliferation involves several critical steps. We describe methods for: 1) obtaining bright, uniform, reproducible label-ing with membrane dyes; 2) selecting fluorochromes and data acquisition conditions; and 3) choosing a model to quantify cell proliferation based on dye dilution.

Fluorescent cell tracking dyes, in combination with flow and image cytometry, are powerful tools with which to study the interactions and fates of ...

Techniques for the Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles Using Flow Cytometry

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-derived vesicles found in bodily fluids that are highly involved in cell-cell communication and help regulate a diverse range of biological processes. Analysis of EVs using flow cytometry (FCM) has been notoriously difficult due to their small size and lack of discrete populations positive for markers of interest. Methods for EV analysis, while considerably improved over the last decade, are still a work in progress. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all protocol, and several aspects must be considered when determining the most appropriate method to use. Presented here are several different techniques for processing EVs and two protocols for analyzing EVs using either individual detection or a bead-based approach. The methods described here will assist with eliminating the antibody aggregates commonly found in commercial preparations, increasing signal&#8211;to-noise ratio, and setting gates in a rational fashion that minimizes detection of background fluorescence. The first protocol uses an individual detection method that is especially well suited for analyzing a high volume of clinical samples, while the second protocol uses a bead-based approach to capture and detect smaller EVs and exosomes.

Many different methods exist for the measurement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) using flow cytometry (FCM). Several aspects should be considered when determining the most appropriate method to use. Two protocols for measuring EVs are presented, using either individual detection or a bead-based approach.

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-derived vesicles found in bodily fluids that are highly involved in cell-cell communication and help ...

Cultivation of Caenorhabditis elegans in Three Dimensions in the Laboratory

The use of genetic model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans has led to seminal discoveries in biology over the last five decades. Most of what we know about C. elegans is limited to laboratory cultivation of the nematodes that may not necessarily reflect the environments they normally inhabit in nature. Cultivation of C. elegans in a 3D habitat that is more similar to the 3D matrix that worms encounter in rotten fruits and vegetative compost in nature could reveal novel phenotypes and behaviors not observed in 2D. In addition, experiments in 3D can address how phenotypes we observe in 2D are relevant for the worm in nature. Here, a new method in which C. elegans grows and reproduces normally in three dimensions is presented. Cultivation of C. elegans in Nematode Growth Tube-3D (NGT-3D) can allow us to measure the reproductive fitness of C. elegans strains or different conditions in a 3D environment. We also present a novel method, termed Nematode Growth Bottle-3D (NGB-3D), to cultivate C. elegans in 3D for microscopic analysis. These methods allow scientists to study C. elegans biology in conditions that are more reflective of the environments they encounter in nature. These can help us to understand the overlying evolutionary relevance of the physiology and behavior of C. elegans we observe in the laboratory.

Cultivation of Caenorhabditis elegans in Three Dimensions in the Laboratory

We present a simple method to construct 3D nematode cultivation systems called NGT-3D and NGB-3D. These can be used to study nematode fitness and behaviors in habitats that are more similar to natural Caenorhabditis elegans habitats than the standard 2D laboratory C. elegans culture plates.

The use of genetic model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans has led to seminal discoveries in biology over the last five decades. Most of what we ...

Characterization of Calcification Events Using Live Optical and Electron Microscopy Techniques in a Marine Tubeworm

Characterizing the first event of biological production of calcium carbonate requires a combination of microscopy approaches. First, intracellular pH distribution and calcium ions can be observed using live microscopy over time. This allows identification of the life stage and the tissue with the feature of interest for further electron microscopy studies. Life stage and tissues of interest are typically higher in pH and Ca signals. 
Here, using H. elegans, we present a protocol to characterize the presence of calcium carbonate structures in a biological specimen on the scanning electron microscope (SEM), using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to visualize elemental composition, using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to determine the presence of crystalline structures, and using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze the composition and structure of the material. In this protocol, a focused ion beam (FIB) is used to isolate samples with dimension suitable for TEM analysis. As FIB is a site specific technique, we demonstrate how information from the previous techniques can be used to identify the region of interest, where Ca signals are highest.

We demonstrate the use of various microscopy methods that are useful in observing the calcification of a tubeworm, Hydroides elegans, as well as locating and characterizing the first calcified material. Live microscopy and electron microscopy are used together to provide functional and material information that are important in studying biomineralization.

Characterizing the first event of biological production of calcium carbonate requires a combination of microscopy approaches. First, intracellular pH ...

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence

In response to cellular stress or damage, proliferating cells can induce a specific program that initiates a state of long-term cell-cycle arrest, termed cellular senescence. Accumulation of senescent cells occurs with organismal aging and through continual culturing in vitro. Senescent cells influence many biological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration, tumor suppression, and aging. Hallmarks of senescent cells include, but are not limited to, increased senescence-associated &#946;-galactosidase activity (SA-&#946;-gal); p16INK4A, p53, and p21 levels; higher levels of DNA damage, including &#947;-H2AX; the formation of Senescence-associated Heterochromatin Foci (SAHF); and the acquisition of a Senescence-associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), a phenomenon characterized by the secretion of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling molecules. Here, we describe protocols for both replicative and DNA damage-induced senescence in cultured cells. In addition, we highlight techniques to monitor the senescent phenotype using several senescence-associated markers, including SA-&#946;-gal, &#947;-H2AX and SAHF staining, and to quantify protein and mRNA levels of cell cycle regulators and SASP factors. These methods can be applied to the assessment of senescence in various models and tissues.

Cellular senescence, the irreversible state of cell-cycle arrest, can be induced by various cellular stresses. Here, we describe protocols to induce cellular senescence and methods to assess markers of senescence.

In response to cellular stress or damage, proliferating cells can induce a specific program that initiates a state of long-term cell-cycle arrest, termed ...

Methods for the Extraction of Endosymbionts from the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci

Bacterial symbionts form an intimate relationship with their hosts and confer advantages to the hosts in most cases. Genomic information is critical to study the functions and evolution of bacterial symbionts in their host. As most symbionts cannot be cultured in vitro, methods to isolate an adequate quantity of bacteria for genome sequencing are very important. In the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a number of endosymbionts have been identified and are predicted to be of importance in the development and reproduction of the pests through multiple approaches. However, the mechanism underpinning the associations remains largely unknown. The obstacle partially comes from the fact that the endosymbionts in whitefly, mostly restrained in bacteriocytes, are hard to separate from the host cells. Here we report a step-by-step protocol for the identification, extraction and purification of endosymbionts from the whitefly B. tabaci mainly by dissection and filtration. Endosymbiont samples prepared by this method, although still a mixture of different endosymbiont species, are suitable for subsequent genome sequencing and analysis of the possible roles of endosymbionts in B. tabaci. This method may also be used to isolate endosymbionts from other insects.

Methods for the Extraction of Endosymbionts from the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci

Here, we present a protocol to isolate endosymbionts from the whitefly Bemisia tabaci through dissection and filtration. After amplification, the DNA samples are suitable for subsequent sequencing and study of the mutualism between endosymbionts and whitefly.

Bacterial symbionts form an intimate relationship with their hosts and confer advantages to the hosts in most cases. Genomic information is critical to ...

Simple and Effective Administration and Visualization of Microparticles in the Circulatory System of Small Fishes Using Kidney Injection

The systemic administration of micro-size particles into a living organism can be applied for vasculature visualization, drug and vaccine delivery, implantation of transgenic cells and tiny optical sensors. However, intravenous microinjections into small animals, which are mostly used in biological and veterinary laboratories, are very difficult and require trained personnel. Herein, we demonstrate a robust and efficient method for the introduction of microparticles into the circulatory system of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) by injection into the fish kidney. To visualize the introduced microparticles in the vasculature, we propose a simple intravital imaging technique in fish gills. In vivo monitoring of the zebrafish blood pH was accomplished using an injected microencapsulated fluorescent probe, SNARF-1, to demonstrate one of the possible applications of the described technique. This article provides a detailed description of the encapsulation of pH-sensitive dye and demonstrates the principles of the quick injection and visualization of the obtained microcapsules for in vivo recording of the fluorescent signal. The proposed method of injection is characterized by a low mortality rate (0-20%) and high efficiency (70-90% success), and it is easy to institute using commonly available equipment. All described procedures can be performed on other small fish species, such as guppies and medaka.

This article demonstrates the principles of a quick, minimally invasive injection of fluorescent microparticles into the circulatory system of small fishes and the in vivo visualization of the microparticles in fish blood.

The systemic administration of micro-size particles into a living organism can be applied for vasculature visualization, drug and vaccine delivery, ...