The most popular sterilization methods used in laboratories

Why are sterilization methods so important in laboratory work?

Modern laboratories, both diagnostic, research and industrial, cannot function without the use of effective sterilization methods. In every procedure where biological, chemical material or laboratory equipment come into contact with factors that may disrupt the result of an experiment or analysis, sterility is essential. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and even microscopic amounts of organic contamination can ruin many hours or days of research work. This is why sterilization methods are not only a mandatory element of every laboratory procedure, but also the foundation of responsible and professional work in the laboratory. One of the most common mistakes made by less experienced laboratory workers is to underestimate the need for sterility in seemingly simple activities such as pipetting, centrifugation or sample storage. However, even in these routine activities, the lack of appropriate sterilization procedures can lead to irreversible losses. The selection of the appropriate method depends on many factors - the type of material to be sterilized, its resistance to temperature, humidity or radiation. In the context of in vitro studies, it is extremely important that not only the tools but also all plastic consumables, such as test tubes or PCR plates, are free from microorganisms, DNase and RNase. It is worth mentioning the offer here Falcon type centrifuge tubes, which are factory sterilized and are a basic element of equipment for laboratories working with biological samples. Their use significantly increases the safety and quality of analyses, allowing research to be conducted in conditions of controlled cleanliness.

Types of most commonly used sterilization methods

In the laboratory environment, various sterilization methods are used, each of which has its specific application, advantages and disadvantages. The most frequently chosen method in biological laboratories is autoclaving, i.e. sterilization with steam under high pressure. This is a very effective process, especially when cleaning glass, steel and some plastics resistant to high temperatures. The disadvantage of this method is that it is not suitable for heat-sensitive materials, such as some enzymes, molecular reagents or PCR plates. For such materials, UV radiation sterilization or filtration is used - in the case of liquids. It is also worth mentioning dry hot air sterilization, which works well for surgical, metal and ceramic instruments, but its effectiveness is lower if very precise time-temperature conditions are not met. Regardless of the method chosen, they all have a common goal: eliminating microorganisms without damaging the functional properties of the material being cleaned. In the context of genetic and in vitro research, it is crucial to use disposable, sterile materials - e.g. Eppendorf tubes, which are manufactured in controlled conditions and packaged to eliminate the risk of contamination at the production stage. When selecting the appropriate sterilization method, the laboratory must also consider the frequency of use of a given technique and the availability of equipment, which often involves choosing more universal solutions that provide effectiveness at a relatively low operating cost.

Autoclave sterilization – www.googlabsci.com

The importance of laboratory plastic quality in the context of sterilization

Sterility in the laboratory is not limited to work surfaces, glass or air in laminar flow cabinets. The quality and origin of the laboratory plastics used are of great importance, as they come into contact with biological samples, enzymes, buffer solutions or other reagents on a daily basis. The smallest leak, the presence of DNases, RNases or endotoxins can affect the result of the entire experiment. That is why more and more laboratories decide to use certified, factory-sterile plastics, which are supplied by proven manufacturers. Such products not only eliminate the need to carry out their own sterilization, but also increase the certainty that the material used meets the highest quality standards. A good example is high-class PCR plastics, which are free from enzymatic contamination and designed to perfectly conduct heat during thermal cycles. In the case of this category of products, there is no room for half-measures – any temperature or chemical anomaly can lead to illegible or false results. Properly selected plastic, adapted to the sterilization method and compliant with the requirements of a specific research protocol, is a guarantee of not only safety, but also the efficiency of the laboratory team's work. In the article "What PCR plastics to choose for genetic testing?" we discuss in detail the parameters that should characterize professional equipment of this type. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this material to supplement your knowledge with practical aspects of choosing products for working with genetic material.