Filamentous fungi (mould)
impact humans and are a menace to health. It is one of the leading
causes of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Yearly, 20% of Canadians
suffer from respiratory allergic symptoms due to moulds. Growing
moulds in controlled lab conditions, allow researchers to investigate
its impact on humans. High variability exists in moulds from one
lab condition to another. Establishing optimum biological experimental
condition is often difficult. The media utilized is one of the important
ingredients in growing moulds. The present study’s objective
is to answer, “Which medium results in effective mould growth?”
Synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural mediums are used to grow moulds.
A test matrix consisting of over 200 cases were studied using an
experimental procedure consists of seven steps. The involved steps
are: proper sterilization and maintenance techniques, obtaining
culture mould, mould study, media preparation, direct isolation
techniques, test conditions and determination. Samples were analyzed
using microscopic study by applying an existing mould growth measurement
technique. An innovative mould growth technique was identified to
overcome the drawback of the existing method. It was concluded that
Sabouraud’s Agar, was the most effective medium to grow mould
in a laboratory environment.
Objective
Find
a medium which mould growth can grow effectively.
Surf at "Background"
under "Q & A" for detail understanding of objective.
Introduction
What
you need to know about moulds?
Moulds are
• Scientifically called filamentous fungi
• Classified as fungi
• Capable of surviving and reproducing in almost all environments
with moisture
• Composed of long filaments called hyphae-form cottony mass
called mycelium
Where
can you find moulds?
Mould can be
• Found almost everywhere in nature and in human
• Found in both interior and exterior environments
Project Information
Prashanthi Baskaran
School : Elmwood Independent School
Team size: 1
Grade 7-9
Health- Experimental
Graphics: Adobe Photoshop, Fireworks Macromedia
Graphing: Microsoft Excel, Texas Instrumental
Software Tools Used: MS Word, Dream Works, Flash Macro Media, Fireworks
Macromedia
Hardware Tools: Digital Camera
Equipments Used: Autoclave, plates, fume hood, needles, scale, incubators,
scanning electron microscope, dissecting microscope, transfer tools,
beakers, test tubes, flame etc.