@article{95946e3753a04d9e8a55b4a013fdc838,
title = "An alternative to cylinder drums for entering supplies and maintaining germ-free rodent isolators",
abstract = "The cost of supply cylinders can be expensive for smaller gnotobiotic facilities on strict budgets. Here, we present an alternative approach to enter supplies into germ-free isolators that does not require large cylinder drums (supply cylinders). We describe procedures for autoclaving double-bagged packs of supplies, sealing the packs aseptically into zip lock bags in biosafety cabinet, and entering supply packages into isolators. Our gnotobiotic facility has been using this protocol since 2018 and has been effective in maintaining germ-free status.",
keywords = "Microbiology, Model Organisms",
author = "Samay Trec and {De Virgilio}, Mariah and Chris Christou",
note = "Funding Information: The work involved in developing this protocol has been funded by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). We would like to acknowledge the University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Gnotobiotic Facility and Walter Eliza Hall Institute, Germ Free Unit for their invaluable guidance and training during the establishment of SAHMRI's gnotobiotic facility. We'd like to thank the Australian Tecniplast team for their role and support in connecting us to the gnotobiotic community which enabled sharing of knowledge and linking of skills and expertise. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Miriam Lynn and the Precision Medicine, Computational and System Biology team for their on-going feedback and support in helping us refine our protocols. Lastly, we would like to thank the ComPath diagnostic laboratory for their support and QC testing services. Procedure development – S.T. and M.D.; Author- S.T.; Graphic creation and review/edit of text- S.T. and M.D.; Review and final edit- C.C. The authors declare no competing interests. Funding Information: The work involved in developing this protocol has been funded by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). We would like to acknowledge the University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Gnotobiotic Facility and Walter Eliza Hall Institute, Germ Free Unit for their invaluable guidance and training during the establishment of SAHMRI{\textquoteright}s gnotobiotic facility. We{\textquoteright}d like to thank the Australian Tecniplast team for their role and support in connecting us to the gnotobiotic community which enabled sharing of knowledge and linking of skills and expertise. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Miriam Lynn and the Precision Medicine, Computational and System Biology team for their on-going feedback and support in helping us refine our protocols. Lastly, we would like to thank the ComPath diagnostic laboratory for their support and QC testing services. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2022 South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Limited",
year = "2022",
month = sep,
day = "16",
doi = "10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101511",
language = "English",
volume = "3",
journal = "STAR Protocols",
issn = "2666-1667",
publisher = "Cell Press",
number = "3",
}