Methods of Sterilization

Autoclaving : heating at 121^oC for 20 mins
- Used to sterilize culture media, sterilize water or stock solutions or other heat stable liquids
Pasteurizing: heating to 160-170^oF
- Used to remove pathogens, but not necessarily to sterilize
- When repeated on successive days can be used to sterilize somewhat heat sensitive material
Dry-heat sterilization: heating in an oven at 172^oC for 90 mins
- Used to sterilize glassware, pipets, containers, syringes; not used for anything containing media
Filtration: passing solutions through membranes of less than 0.2 µ pore size
- Used for heat labile solutions (vitamins, antibiotics, stock solutions