3 replies to this topic

[Del]

Hi all,

 

My sugar solutions turn into mead within days, and receptivity similarly declines. I'm getting a bit fed up with having to make a new solution so regularly, and would like something that could be provided ad libitum in the outworld without me worrying about changing it.

I've been thinking of making a weak (1g/L, 0.001%) solution of methylparaben and using that as a base for my sugar mix. Has anyone had any experience with this? I understand that it is an anti-fungal agent, but I can't find any information on its effectiveness against bacterial fermentation. Most Drosophila culture recipes in the literature nowadays use propionic acid as a broad-spectrum preservative, but that seems a bit harder to get hold of where I am. I also happen to have just bought half a kilo of methylparaben and would prefer to use that if I can   

I'll do some experiments and post the results here.

[drtrmiller]

Parabens are pH dependent and work best when paired with other parabens or preservatives for synergistic effects. It would be better to boil your mixture and store refrigerated until use.

Edited by drtrmiller, November 23 2017 - 7:33 PM.

[Del]

Thanks for your reply Terry. Unfortunately keeping carbs refrigerated doesn't help extend the lifespan of the solution when provided to ants which is my main goal.

The effective pH range of parabens seems quite broad, and in the worst case scenario it would be easy to include a buffer solution to regulate acidity.
My understanding is that they are used in conjunction with other preservatives because they are less effective at inhibiting certain micro organisms than others. Nevertheless it seems fairly broad spectrum and may still be sufficient for my purposes. Including synergistic preservatives is definitely something I could investigate in the future though, thanks for the suggestion

Source- americanpharmaceuticalreview.com/Featured-Articles/38885-Antimicrobial-Preservatives-Part-Two-Choosing-a-Preservative/

Edited by Del, November 24 2017 - 6:56 PM.

[StopSpazzing]

Thanks for your reply Terry. Unfortunately keeping carbs refrigerated doesn't help extend the lifespan of the solution when provided to ants which is my main goal.

The effective pH range of parabens seems quite broad, and in the worst case scenario it would be easy to include a buffer solution to regulate acidity.
My understanding is that they are used in conjunction with other preservatives because they are less effective at inhibiting certain micro organisms than others. Nevertheless it seems fairly broad spectrum and may still be sufficient for my purposes. Including synergistic preservatives is definitely something I could investigate in the future though, thanks for the suggestion

Source- americanpharmaceuticalreview.com/Featured-Articles/38885-Antimicrobial-Preservatives-Part-Two-Choosing-a-Preservative/

actually, have you tried boiling it first to get it sterile to last longer? Thinking may give it another day? Have you tried using it in a wicking system to prevent air exposure which leads to the issues? Should give you more time by using a wicking system like what Drew uses.