Mary Jane G. Barluado | Marjorie A. Cabacha | Rich Adrian E. Derecho | Sheila Mae A. Romanillos
The use of culture media for growing microorganism is an important phase in diagnostic microbiology since it provides medical technologist a presumptive clue of the type of organism present and helps eliminate unnecessary biochemical tests for identification. Culture media are composed of nutritional and growth factors needed for the cultivation of bacteria. Most commercially prepared culture media are costly, and the price is added into the laboratory fees paid by patients. This study determined the potential of golden apple snail (Pomaceacanaliculata) and latundan (Musa sapientum) as nutrient source for culture media. Quantitative nutritional analysis of latundan and golden apple snail using atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed high concentrations of carbohydrates and proteins, and trace amounts of nitrogen, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorous and calcium. Extracts of latundan and golden apple snail were formulated into experimental media with distilled water and plain agar as solidifying agent. The capacity of the formulated culture media to sustain growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillusniger was evaluated and compared using nutrient agar and Saboraud’s dextrose agar which are the positive controls. Results showed that the experimental media sustained growth of E. coli and A. niger from 24 to 72 hours but not on S. aureus.
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