This report outlines
the key differences, advantages, and cost savings when using the
AgriStar patented Star*Pac® system
for plant micro propagation as opposed to conventional systems utilizing
glass or rigid plastic containers. The report is divided into the
various stages of plant tissue culture.
Stage I
In conventional systems, Stage I material is generally started
in test tubes due to the high degree of contamination associated
with new cultures. Test tubes are somewhat bulky and with the
rack used for test tubes take up excess shelf space. Test tubes
are either placed upright or on a slant. The slanted system is
even less space efficient. If test tubes are stored upright, then
a clear cap must be used to allow light to pass to the culture.
Test tubes caps are loose fitting and should be wrapped with tape
or parafilm to reduce the risk of external contaminants. The high
degree of contamination in Stage I cultures and the large number
of units typically handled in Stage I creates an excessive amount
of washing of glassware. When using the Star*Pac®
system for Stage I cultures a 5 chamber bag is used. Each chamber
is roughly equivalent to a 10 mm by _125 mm test tube. The 5 chamber
configuration keeps individual cultures separate which eliminates
cross contamination or the spread of contamination from one unit
to the other. The somewhat two dimensional nature of the Star*
Pac® allows for more units to be placed within a given
space. A normal test tube rack configuration allows for approximately
80 to 100 test tubes per square foot. The Star*Pac®
system accommodates 120 to 200 individual chambers per square
foot. The transparent nature of the Star*Pac®
unit allows for light to reach the cultures readily. The contamination
is isolated in the particular chamber where it occurs in the Star*Pac®
bag. The chamber can be cut apart and disposed of, or when the
cultures are reworked, the clean chamber can be opened and the
material transferred, and then the whole unit can be disposed
of. This eliminates the need for glass washing equipment, personnel,
and the space devoted to such a need.