EVALUATION OF CABIN-SEQUESTERING METHOD TO ELIMINATE BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION FROM AQUATIC FUNGAL CULTURES

Abstract

Bacterial contamination is a major problem that needs to be addressed in fungal culture. Therefore, a novel technique, cabin sequestering (CS), eliminates bacterial contamination of aquatic fungal cultures. Two treatment groups were formed, which were Group A (CS method) and Group B (subculture on antibiotic-free media) to evaluate the effectiveness of the CS method. A sterile inoculation needle was used to pierce a square hole approximately 3-5 mm in diameter, referred to as a "cabin". Then a coverslip was placed over the inoculated site at 20-30̊ C for 7-10 days. Fungal hyphae were selected and re-inoculated onto new PDA culture plates when they had grown beyond the edge of the coverslip. The result showed no bacterial growth in group A. Meanwhile, in group B, bacteria were present, but no fungal growth was detected. The CS method is advantageous because it eliminates the risk of contamination, takes less time, and requires only simple procedures using standard and easily accessible equipment.