Water Bath Antibiotic Solution

Reagents Needed

• Copper Sulfate (Cu₂SO₄)
• EDTA
• Dish soap or other detergent (i.e. Tween/Triton)

Preparation

Fill water bath with tap water (typically 6 L is needed). Weigh out Cu₂SO₄ necessary to prepare 1 g/L final concentration (6 g for 6 L). Pre-dissolve the Cu₂SO₄ in a small beaker of water, then mix into water bath. Add 1:9500 of 0.5 M EDTA (650 uL into 6 L). Add a very small amount of dish soap or 100-1000 uL of another detergent.

Copper sulfate is a natural antibiotic compound. EDTA chelates the essential ions needed for bacterial growth. The detergent works as a surfactant to any clumping