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Abstract

In this study, we focused on the effects of different ratios (10:1 and 1:10) on the interactions between Gardnerella vaginalis (G.V) and Lactobacillus when co-cultured under tissue culture conditions. Understanding the dynamics of two prominent vaginal microbes, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Lactobacillus, is crucial for women's health. Background information for this study emphasizes the significance of vaginal bacteria in preserving a healthy reproductive system. While Gardnerella vaginalis (G.V) has been responsible for bacterial vaginosis, a frequent illness affecting women, Lactobacillus species are recognized to contribute to a healthy vaginal environment. We conducted tests using the co-cultures of these microbes to gain insights into their interaction. The co-culture ratio significantly impacts this interaction; a higher percentage of Lactobacillus causes a more dramatic inhibition. These effects add to our knowledge of the dynamics of the vaginal microbiome and may have implications for developing strategies to maintain vaginal health.

Keywords: Lactobacillus, Gardnerella vaginalis, vaginal microbiota, co-culture, and vaginal health.

TOTAL word count of the paper - 6000 words

Introduction

A common and frequently reoccurring vaginal infection that affects millions of women worldwide is bacterial vaginosis (BV). A change in the vaginal microbiota's makeup, which leads to an overgrowth of some bacterial species and a decline in helpful microorganisms, distinguishes it from other types of infertility. This disruption of the vaginal ecosystem can lead to many distressing symptoms, including irregular vaginal discharge, itching, and an unpleasant, fishy odor. BV causes discomfort and leads to more severe health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease and an increased risk of preterm birth (Tripathi, Roy and Kar, 2021). Understanding the complex interactions between Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus, the two main bacteria involved in BV, is essential to creating successful therapies and interventions (Chen et al. , 2021).

A healthcare physician will typically prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin to treat bacterial vaginosis. Even if the symptoms improve before the antibiotics are completed, taking the entire course is still crucial(Sobel and Sobel, 2021). Protection and avoiding douching are two lifestyle adjustments that, in addition to medications, may help prevent recurrence(Tomás et al. , 2020).

Clinical signs and laboratory tests typically serve to diagnose BV. The Amsel criteria are the most often applied BV diagnostic standards(Shipitsina et al. , 2016; Nazarova et al. , 2017). These requirements include the presence of vaginal discharge, a higher vaginal pH (typically greater than 4.5), a distinctive fishy odor upon adding potassium hydroxide (known as the "whiff test"), and the observation of clue cells (vaginal epithelial cells coated with bacteria) under a microscope(Madhivanan et al. , 2013). Gram staining of vaginal fluid can also be another option to diagnose BV; a high Nugent score indicates the presence of BV. Nevertheless, it's important to note that BV can be present even without apparent symptoms(Baruah et al. , 2014; Antonucci, Mirandola and Fontana, 2017; Singh, 2017).

Lactobacillus species, notably Lactobacillus crispatus, significantly influence the health of the female reproductive system. These bacteria develop lactic acid, which lowers the pH of the vaginal environment and makes it more acidic and uninhabitable for many pathogenic microbes(Chee, Chew and Than, 2020; Zhang, Dai and Chen, 2021). Since it produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which further fosters unfavorable conditions for dangerous pathogens, L. crispatus is known as a crucial defensive strain. These advantageous microorganisms support the vaginal mucosa's local immune system(Zheng et al. , 2021).

Notably, not all women have the same dominant Lactobacillus species in their vaginal microbiome, which can vary between people. While some women may have a different species of Lactobacillus or a more diversified microbial ecology, others may have L. crispatus as the dominating strain. Variations are common, but the vaginal microbiota must maintain balance to ward against infections and preserve general vaginal health(Pacha-Herrera et al. , 2022).

One of the most common bacterial species detected in BV is Gardnerella vaginalis, which is about this illness's emergence(Ding, Yu and Zhou, 2021). Different strains of Gardnerella vaginalis can exist, some of which are pathogenic and more likely to cause BV, while others are less aggressive. However, it seems to throw off the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiota, encouraging the proliferation of other dangerous bacteria and adding to the typical BV symptoms(Krysanova, 2019).

The vaginal microbiome is a complex and dynamic ecosystem wherein various bacterial species coexist and interact. Lactobacillus species predominate in a healthy vaginal microbiome, creating a setting that controls other potentially harmful bacteria(Gupta, Singh and Goyal, 2020). Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria overgrow because BV disrupts this equilibrium, giving rise to symptoms unusual to BV(Rosca, 2020).

As a result of recent developments in microfluidic technology, new technological innovations known as "organs-on-chips" have emerged. In a controlled laboratory environment, these microphysiological systems seek to imitate the composition and operation of human organs. The ability to examine intricate biological processes without using conventional animal models is made possible by organs-on-chips. These technologies present a viable method for studying the interactions between various vaginal bacteria in strictly regulated settings in the context of BV research(Feaugas and Sauvonnet, 2021; Vargas, Egurbide-Sifre and Medina, 2021).

In recent findings, researchers who popularized the idea of a "vagina-on-a-chip" are critical studies pertinent to BV research. This ground-breaking method enables researchers to examine the interactions between various vaginal microbes in a controlled setting, offering fresh insights into the dynamics of BV. This research has pioneered the development of an in vitro model that simulates the intricate microenvironment of the human vagina using microfluidic devices, making it an essential tool for researching BV and related disorders(Bodke and Burdette, 2021).

This study aims to advance our knowledge of the complex interactions between Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus in the context of BV. By co-culturing them in various environments and ratios, one can learn more about how these bacteria affect one another's growth and survival. The findings of this study may have substantial effects on creating therapies and interventions that support a healthy vaginal microbiome, ultimately resulting in more efficient methods for BV management and prevention(Lagenaur et al. , 2021).

Examining whether varying ratios of Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus affect their growth and interactions is one of the main goals of this project. We want to know whether one bacterium hinders the development of the other, whether Gardnerella vaginalis outcompetes Lactobacillus in particular situations, or whether there is no discernible effect on their mutual growth. The findings of this study can offer important new insights into the interactions between these two significant members of the vaginal microbiota(Kim et al. , 2020; Puebla-Barragan et al. , 2021).

As a result of disrupting the equilibrium of the vaginal microbiome, bacterial vaginosis is a frequent and recurrent vaginal infection that can cause a variety of painful symptoms as well as serious health issues. While Gardnerella vaginalis often corresponds to the onset of BV, Lactobacillus species, especially Lactobacillus crispatus, are crucial for sustaining vaginal health. Recent developments in the "vagina-on-a-chip" paradigm of organ-on-a-chip technology provide intriguing chances to examine the interactions between these bacteria in a controlled laboratory environment(Vargas, Egurbide-Sifre and Medina, 2021).

By examining how varying ratios of Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus affect their interactions and growth, this project hopes to shed light on the vaginal microbiome's dynamics(Greenbaum et al. , 2019). The information gleaned from this study may help develop better methods for treating and preventing this widespread and debilitating disorder, thereby improving the quality of life for many women worldwide.

Results

The results of our experiment indicate a notable reduction in Lactobacillus (LC) populations and a corresponding increase in Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) populations under certain conditions, which has significant implications for our understanding of bacterial Vaginosis (BV) dynamics.

The bacterial population changes showed when Lactobacillus and Gardnerella vaginalis were co-cultured under various conditions. Specifically, when the ratio of Gardnerella vaginalis to Lactobacillus elevated, the Lactobacillus population decreased, while the Gardnerella vaginalis population increased. It suggests that in the presence of an overabundance of Gardnerella vaginalis, the protective Lactobacillus populations may struggle to thrive or even decline.

These results align with our current understanding of BV, where an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, often characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus and an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, is a hallmark of the condition. The data from our experiment provide empirical support for the notion that the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis can disrupt the equilibrium of the vaginal microbiome, leading to a reduction in Lactobacillus populations.

The experiment's outcomes not only indicate the competitive dynamics between these two bacterial species but also suggest that interventions aimed at restoring the balance between them may be a potential avenue for BV management. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for this competitive interaction and to explore strategies for maintaining or enhancing the protective role of Lactobacillus in the vaginal ecosystem.

In conclusion, our experiment's results reveal a reduction in Lactobacillus populations and an increase in Gardnerella vaginalis people under specific conditions. These findings offer valuable insights into the microbial dynamics of BV, shedding light on the potential influences of different bacterial ratios. They underscore the need for further research into interventions that can promote a balanced vaginal microbiome and potentially enhance BV management.

Figure 1: The graphical illustration of L.C and G.V at different ratios.

Figure 2: Graphical representation of L.C and G.V at different ratios.

According to the results obtained from the graphs (Figure 1 & Figure 2), Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) populations show a corresponding increase to Lactobacillus (LC) in different ratios.

Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) populations can vary in abundance compared to Lactobacillus (LC) populations. The level of GV and LC populations can influence factors such as the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the degree of vaginal dysbiosis. It is important to note that the specific ratios of GV to LC populations can vary depending on the particular conditions.

This research finding would pave the way for scientifically advanced inventions that would prolong patients' lives in good health.

Discussion

The discussion that follows goes into great detail about the intricate nature of our experiment and its implications for comprehending the complicated interactions between Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus in the setting of bacterial vaginitis (BV). Emphasizing the distinctiveness of the technique and its potential for future research and therapeutic applications, we examine how these discoveries add to the larger landscape of women's health and scientific understanding.

Implications for BV Research and Treatment

Bacterial vaginalis is a prevalent illness with significant health effects for women. Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus interactions are crucial to the emergence and survival of BV(Millar, 2017). Our study advances knowledge of these complex molecular processes and their significance for BV studies and therapies(Jespers et al. , 2015).

According to the research, Gardnerella vaginalis growth may be influenced by the presence of Lactobacillus, which is consistent with the intended purpose of BV management(Castro et al. , 2020). Gardnerella's resistance to some circumstances, however, emphasizes the intricacy of BV and the demand for specialized treatment strategies(Santos et al. , 2016).

Organ-on-a-Chip Technology: A Leap Forward

Studying vaginal health in a lab setting is challenging due in part to the "totally different microbiomes" of research creatures of all kinds. Scientists have created what they claim to be the first "vagina-on-a-chip" in the world, simulating the microbiological ecosystems of the human vagina using living cells and bacteria(Houlden and Mackay, 2022). It could aid in the testing of medications for bacterial vaginosis (BV). This widespread microbial imbalance increases the risk of premature birth in pregnant women and makes millions of people more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections(Sharma et al. , 2021).

Organs-on-a-chip replicate bodily processes, making it most accessible to investigate diseases and test drug molecules(Vunjak-Novakovic, Ronaldson-Bouchard and Radisic, 2021). The lungs and intestinal models are a couple of earlier examples. In this instance, the tissue behaves substantially like a real vagina; it even modifies the expression of specific genes in response to changes in estrogen(Low et al. , 2021). It can also support a microbiome that resembles that of an individual, with either "good" or "bad" bacteria predominating(Witkin et al. , 2021).

The "vagina-on-a-chip" concept, which provides a dynamic and regulated platform for analyzing the vaginal microbiome, is crucial in this research. It could fundamentally alter how we think about BV and open the door to more effective, tailored therapeutics(Deka et al. , 2021). The lactobacilli bacteria maintain the vagina's pleasant acidity. However, if other microorganisms like Gardnerella gain control, it may derange Lactobacilli, which may result in BV(France et al. , 2022).

Clinical Implications and Future Directions

Our study's clinical applications span a wide range of fields. Our research suggests that BV management strategies that increase the presence of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus crispatus, may be effective. This strategy supports the objective of reestablishing the acidic vaginal environment that prevents the formation of harmful bacteria like Gardnerella. However, we agree that Gardnerella's ability to survive in specific environments raises concerns about its resistance and necessitates additional research(Reid, 2014).

Future studies in this area should expand on the competition dynamics between Gardnerella and Lactobacillus(Herbst-Kralovetz et al. , 2016). It is crucial to comprehend how Lactobacillus strains prevent Gardnerella from growing and the elements that support Gardnerella's resistance(Baruah et al. , 2014). Another area suitable for investigation is the possible impact of other vaginal microbes on the interactions between these important players(Moosa et al. , 2020).

Our comprehension of the pathophysiology of BV can be further improved by including elements like immune responses and host genetics in the investigation. Finally, we anticipate clinical trials that can examine and confirm the efficacy of therapies intended to rebalance the vaginal microbiome(Salahuddin Khan, Maarten J. Voordouw, 2019).

Future studies should examine the mechanisms at play, analyze the competitive dynamics between Gardnerella and Lactobacillus, and assess the impact of additional vaginal microbes(Papon and Van Dijck, 2021). The long-term objective is to create therapies that restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, relieving the numerous BV-affected women and enhancing their quality of life(Lagenaur et al. , 2021).

Our study proposes a route where microbial profiling could direct specialized interventions: personalized therapy. Knowing the precise dysbiosis in a person's vaginal microbiota can help develop targeted medicines that target the microbial imbalance at its source. This strategy recognizes the variety of BV and the individual requirements of every patient(Scherz, Greub and Bertelli, 2022).

The chip's tissue is the site of lactobacilli that produce lactic acid to keep the pH low(Agarwal and Lewis, 2021). In contrast, the chip develops a higher pH, cell damage, and more significant inflammation when the researchers add Gardnerella, which are typical symptoms of BV(Salliss et al. , 2021). In a nutshell, the chip can demonstrate how a healthy or diseased microbiome impacts the vagina(Reid, 2019).

In conclusion, this research work has shown preliminary results of the ability of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella vaginosis to grow in the Vk2/E6E7 cell line. It also broadens fascinating research finding of co-culture impact and inhibition rate on one another. It also paves the way for further studies of organ-on-a-chip technology.

Ultimately, this research is more than just a scientific endeavor; it is a path toward better women's health. The challenges posed by this condition are significant, but the promise of more precise and personalized treatments offers hope and optimism for the future.

Acknowledgements

It gives me immense pleasure to express my gratitude to chairperson [chairperson name] [University Name], who has enlightened our life quality, discipline, and academic focus. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to pursuing knowledge and scientific excellence.

I sincerely thank [Supervisor's Name], whose guidance and unwavering commitment to scientific rigor have been instrumental throughout this research. Their insightful feedback and continuous encouragement have contributed significantly to the quality of this work.

I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of my fellow Ph.D. students, [Names of Ph.D. Colleagues], who offered stimulating discussions, shared their expertise, provided technical support, and shared experimental insights that significantly influenced the experimental design and analysis.

I extend my thanks to the technical support provided by the laboratory staff and technicians at [University Name] was indispensable. They also helped me with administrative tasks and ensured the seamless running of the research facilities.

Last but not least, I want to thank my parents for their kind cooperation and never-ending support, who have always been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.

Materials and Methods

Preparation of growth media

Gardnerella vaginalis was grown on both liquid media Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) Broth (Dehydrated) (11469668 Thermo Scientific™) and solid media Columbia Blood Agar Base (Dehydrated) (10199142 Thermo Scientific™). Lactobacillus was grown in liquid media deMan, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth (69964-500G Sigma Aldrich Company Ltd) and solid media de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar (69964-500G Sigma Aldrich Company Ltd) both of which had tween added and then heated at 200 °C using a stirrer. To support the growth of microorganisms like bacteria for research, diagnostics, and industrial uses, it entails maintaining a sterile and nutrient-rich environment. The media's sterility and composition are specifically crafted to satisfy specific microbiological requirements.

Procedure:

  • Measure the required growth medium appropriately as follows. The Brain Heart Infusion Broth [BHI] (14.89/400 ml) is the liquid media for G.V, Columbia blood agar (16.89/400ml) is the solid media for G.V, MRS + (Tween) (24.49/400ml), and MRS agar + (Tween) (24.4g 1400ml) is the solid media for Lacto.
  • Mix the 400 ml of water with the various media composition measurements.
  • It is necessary to heat MRS broth and MRS agar to 200°C on a hot stirrer.
  • Add magnetic flea to mix well.
  • Add 5% horse blood defibrinated in Columbia agar (20 ml) and tween in MRS broth and MRS agar [0.4ml /400ml].
  • Pour plate media into sterile Petri dishes.
  • After mixing MRS broth and BHI broth, pour the appropriate amount of broth media (20 ml each) into separate universal glasses.
  • All the growth media must undergo autoclave sterilization before use.

Bacterial Culture

Bacterial culturing is an important step, streaking on the prepared agar plates with Two strains of Lactobacillus crispatus and four mutant strains of Gardnerella vaginalis. It is allowed to grow overnight in the incubator. A constant anaerobic atmosphere at 37 °C was produced during the incubation period, developing an anaerobic environment using specialized tools like an anaerobic jar and anaerobe gel.

Bacterial strains were selected based on how well they matched the objectives of the study's goals. The culturing approach produced sterile bacterial cultures with predictable and continuous development.

Materials:

  • Agar plates
  • Bacterial strains
  • Anaerobe gel.
  • Sterile inoculating loops
  • Incubator
  • Sterile Petri dishes
  • Sterile pipettes.

Preparation of Agar Plates:

  • Pour Lactobacillus crispatus agar medium into one set of sterile Petri dishes and Gardnerella vaginalis agar medium into another set.
  • Allow the agar to solidify in a sterile environment.

Pre-incubation Setup:

  • Inoculate Lactobacillus crispatus (Strain 1) on one Lactobacillus crispatus agar plate
  • Inoculate the mutant strains of Gardnerella vaginalis on separate Gardnerella vaginalis agar plates.
  • Ensure uniform streaking on the agar plates to obtain isolated colonies.

Anaerobic Environment Preparation:

  • Place the agar plates in an anaerobic jar.
  • Add the anaerobe gel to the jar according to the manufacturer's instructions. This gel helps absorb oxygen and create an anaerobic environment.
  • Seal the anaerobic jar tightly.

Incubation:

  • Place the sealed anaerobic jar with the agar plates inside the incubator set to 37°C.
  • Incubate the plates overnight.

Mixing of the culture

Incorporate the bacterial strains from the culture in predetermined ratios. This process produces various distinctively flavored bacterial mashes. The primary purpose of combining these bacterial cultures was to mimic the diversity of bacterial communities that might be evident in clinical or experimental situations.

Tissue Culture

Human vaginal epithelial cell lines (VK2/E6E7) were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). Also, add 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) to DMEM. Since this cell culture setting close mimicked the in-vivo conditions of the vaginal environment, it was less complex for human cells to interact with BV-associated bacteria.

Materials:

  • VK2/E6E7 human vaginal epithelial cell line
  • Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM)
  • Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)
  • BV-Associated Bacteria (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella species, etc.)
  • Sterile cell culture flasks, plates, and dishes
  • Sterile pipettes and pipette tips
  • Trypsin-EDTA solution
  • Sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
  • 70% ethanol for disinfection
  • Laminar flow hood or biosafety cabinet
  • CO incubator (37°C, 5% CO )
  • Inverted microscope
  • Autoclaved cell culture vessels and supplies
  • Personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, safety goggles)

Preparation of Culture Medium:

  • DMEM and FBS are kept at 37°C in a water bath or incubator.
  • 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is added to DMEM, and a complete growth medium is obtained.

Cell Seeding:

  • Aseptic conditions within the laminar flow hood or biosafety cabinet are ensured.
  • According to your experimental requirements, VK2/E6E7 cells are thawed and cultured in T-25 or T-75 flasks.

Subculture :

  • Cell confluency is monitored using an inverted microscope.
  • When cells reach 70-90% confluent, using trypsin-EDTA detached.
  • Trypsin is neutralized with a complete growth medium (DMEM + 10% FBS).
  • The cell suspension is transferred to a new flask or culture dish.

Maintaining Cells :

  • The cells were in a CO incubator at 37°C with 5% CO .
  • The cells are monitored, and the medium is changed every 2-3 days or as needed.

Bacterial Interaction :

  • The interaction with BV-associated bacteria is studied by seed cells in plates or dishes as required for your experiments.
  • The cells are allowed to grow until they reach the desired confluence.

Addition of BV-Associated Bacteria :

  • A suspension of BV-associated bacteria in an appropriate medium is prepared.
  • The bacterial suspension is added to the cultured VK2/E6E7 cells. The cells are incubated with bacteria under conditions relevant to your study (time, temperature, and CO concentration).

Different Ratios of Inoculation

Deviations in inoculum-to-culture medium ratios can affect the yield, yield rates, and experimental outcomes of microorganisms. In microbiological and biotechnological procedures, these ratios are precisely adjusted to achieve the desired results. The effects of varying bacterial ratios on cellular responses are analyzed using various ratios of bacterial strains during inoculation. Tests set-up on the following ratios: 1:10, 10:1.

Serial Dilution

Serial dilution is to achieve a range of bacterial concentrations. A typical laboratory method for systematically lowering a substance's concentration inside a solution is serial dilution. It is employed in a wide range of scientific disciplines. It is essential to the study of microbiology and other subjects because it enables researchers to prepare a variety of solutions for tests and analysis with known, escalating concentrations.

The idea behind serial dilution is to gradually dilute a starting solution that is more concentrated with a diluent, usually sterile water or another suitable solvent, while maintaining a constant dilution ratio between each step. This technique is crucial for quantifying bacterial or fungal colonies and figuring out cell concentrations in microbiology. It is also vital in chemistry to create standards of known concentrations for analytical procedures.

Serial dilution allows for the accurate measurement of substances present in samples, and it's a crucial tool in scientific research, quality control, and diagnostics. In this process, the ability to control the dilution factor precisely and maintain sterility is of paramount importance to ensure reliable and reproducible results.

Materials:

  • Primary Solution

  • Dilution Tubes or Containers
  • Pipettes and Pipette Tips
  • Sterile Distilled Water or Diluent
  • Labels and a Pen
  • Sample
  • Timer or Clock
  • Proper Disposal Containers

Procedure:

  • Make sure your workspace is spotless and well-arranged. Maintain sterile settings if you are working with microbes.
  • We took 900ul of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in Eppendorf tubes.
  • The known volume of the primary solution is transferred, such as 1 mL, into the first dilution tube using a clean pipette. Your first dilution is executed at this point.
  • For achieving a 10-fold dilution, a known volume of sterile diluent is added to the same tube.
  • 100ul of culture from universal glass bottles was serially added into each Eppendorf tube, and serial dilution was obtained. (Maintain a constant dilution factor during each phase while you carry out the transfer and dilution procedure as many times as necessary.)
  • This method attains dilution ranging from 10 -1 to 10 -8 . Accurately measuring bacterial populations required the use of serial dilution methodology.

Plating

In laboratory techniques, plating is a fundamental method that is essential for isolating, counting, and characterizing bacteria. Dilutions of microbial samples are applied to solid agar surfaces to promote the development of individual colonies. This method is essential for numerous applications, including pathogen detection in clinical microbiology and pure culture isolation. Plating helps the study of particular strains or phenotypic features and enables microbiologists to evaluate colony-forming units (CFUs) to determine microbial numbers. In research, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and the creation of antibiotics, it is a vital instrument. The adaptability and significance of plating extend to bioremediation, public health, and other sectors, supporting developments in biology.

Materials:

  • Bacterial samples
  • Agar plates
  • Eppendorf tubes
  • Pipettes and tips
  • Agar medium
  • Incubator
  • Sterile spreader or glass rod
  • Sterile Petri dishes

Preparation of Agar Plates:

  • Melt the agar containers thoroughly in an autoclave or microwave to sterilize them.

  • To avoid killing the bacteria, let the melted agar cool to a temperature of 113 to 122 °F.
  • Place enough cooled agar to cover the bottom of sterile Petri dishes completely, and then wait for it to set.

Procedure:

  • The plating of samples follows serial dilution.

  • The solidified agar plates are placed in a laminar flow hood or on a clean surface.
  • Each agar plate is divided into four equal halves using the Miles and Misra method, forming four quadrants using a sterile spreader or a glass rod.
  • The particular information about the samples, the date, and the dilution factors is written on the bottom of each agar plate.
  • It is mixed gently, and the Eppendorf tube is opened aseptically.
  • Diluted bacterial samples are spread out evenly on agar plates. Each plate was split into four parts using the Miles and Misra method, and each quarter received three drops of 20 ul each from the serially diluted Eppendorf tubes.
  • This procedure is repeated for each one of the plate's four quadrants.
  • A sterile pipette tip is utilized for each dilution to prevent contamination.
  • The plated samples were then dispersed uniformly across the agar surface to ensure exact colony development.

Bacterial Colonies: Counting and Calculations

After incubation, count the colonies on agar plates to determine bacterial concentrations. Calculations are essential to convert colony counts into the number of viable bacterial cells. The quantification stage was crucial for the interpretation and data analysis.

Materials:

  • Agar plates (Petri dishes containing essential growth medium)
  • bacterial sample.
  • pipettes and tips
  • Sterile vials or tubes (for dilution)
  • Diluent, such as sterile saline.
  • Incubator (heated to the ideal temperature for bacterial growth)

Procedure:

  • Bacterial colonies were grown on the plates after incubation.

  • The number of colonies can be counted manually.
  • Total colonies on each plate are counted, and the observations are recorded.
  • Based on the dilution factor and the number of colonies, the bacterial count in the sample is estimated.
  • The following formula is used to calculate the bacterial count in the sample:
  • Number of Bacteria/mL = Number of Colonies Counted/Volume of Sample Plated×Dilution Factor

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