Get Mushroom Liquid Culture Here
A mushroom liquid culture is an isolated sample of a specific mushroom species suspended in water with a small amount of sugar. Liquid culture is typically stored and dispensed from a syringe that can be used to inoculate any mushroom medium easily. While most laboratory cultures are maintained on agar, they are primarily transported and sold between laboratories as liquid culture. This is because a petri dish and agar culture are more fragile, and often victim to drying out during transport or being effected by the weather.
How is a Mushroom Liquid Culture Syringe Different from a Spore Syringe?
Both come packaged in a syringe delivery system and are used exactly the same. The difference is a Liquid Culture Syringe contains a living colony of active cells and a Spore Syringe contains inactive spores that need to pair and be activated. It is similar to the difference in botany between seeds and cuttings. Professionally sourced Liquid Culture will generally be more consistent because it is an already known and isolated high-yielding sub-strain of the species.
How to Use A Mushroom Liquid Culture Syringe
If you are new to mushroom cultivation or looking to expand your knowledge, understanding how to use a mushroom liquid culture syringe is essential. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of using a mushroom liquid culture syringe.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:
- Sterilized Substrate to Inoculate (Bag, Jar, Petri)
- Spray Bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Roll of Scotch Tape
- Nitrile Gloves
- Paper towel
- Sterile Needle
Step 2: Prepare the Syringe
Purchase a high-quality liquid culture syringe from Liquid Fungi. Our syringes contain a concentrated solution of mycelium and nutrients providing rapid growth and an extended shelf life. Our cultures also include an individually packaged sterile needle for injection. Before using the liquid culture syringe, gently shake it for 1 minute to evenly distribute the mycelium throughout the liquid. This will ensure a more consistent inoculation.
Step 3: Prepare Your Work Area
Creating a sterile work area is crucial to prevent contamination during the inoculation process. Use a clean and sanitized workspace, preferably in a laminar flow hood or a still air box.
Step 4: Disinfect the Inoculation Site
If you are using an agar plate, wipe the surface with an alcohol wipe to sterilize it. If you are inoculating a grain jar, make sure it has been properly sterilized beforehand. Make sure to disinfect all surfaces and tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Step 6: Inoculate the Inoculation Site
Remove the cap from the liquid culture syringe and carefully insert the needle into the inoculation site. Slowly depress the plunger to release a small amount of liquid culture onto the site. Be cautious not to flood the area, as excessive moisture can lead to contamination.
Scotch Tape Secret: Bags without injection ports can be inoculated through the plastic. The hole can be covered with clean Scotch Tape. Always remove the exposed piece of scotch tape on the dispenser/roll when entering the hood. Scotch Tape comes off the roll sterile due to the way the glue is handled and the way it is manufactured.
Step 7: Repeat the Process
If you have multiple inoculation sites, repeat the previous step for each site. Remember to sterilize the needle with a flame between each inoculation to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 8: Store the Syringe
After you have finished using the liquid culture syringe, replace the cap and store it in a cool and dark place. It is best to store mushroom liquid culture in the fridge. Never freeze liquid culture store it above 95F. This will help preserve the viability of the mycelium for future use.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively use a mushroom liquid culture syringe to transfer isolated biological samples and enhance your mushroom cultivation success. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at Liquid Fungi. Happy growing!