Sterility Test

A sterility test was conducted to determine if the device and protocol can maintain sterility. We realized that sterility is heavily dependent on the procedure used to set up the bioreactor, so we created a detailed protocol that would maintain sterility at each step(see experimental plan below). The bioreactor and pump system was set up and loaded with antibiotic free media and without cells and left inside of the incubator. After 72 hours, the tubes and dish were checked for bacterial growth. No visible bacterial growth was observed but the media in the tube and dish differed slightly in color, which could be due to contamination or pH changes associated with exposure to air. The media from the tube and dish were collected in separate containers. After 2 weeks, neither had any visible bacterial growth, proving that the device kept the media sterile for at least 3 days .