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Microbiology Lab FAQ

FAQ - Microbiology Laboratory Overview

This FAQ is provided for the discussion of antimicrobials,  microbiology and bioproduct, testing, performance and environmental sustainability.

See our Blog, The Wily Microbe for more information on antimicrobial and biodegradation product applications and testing.

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Q:What is -- in situ?

A: Strictly speaking in situ (In 'si:tu) or (In 'si:chu -- like a sneeze) is Latin for "in place".  However for a range of scientific and industrial markets, it refers to the evaluation of a material in its most natural use environment.  Expertise is key to evaluating bioproduct performance simulating the in situ environment as best as possible.  More importantly, for a given product, it is the combination of our knowledge of the appropriate test methods and their limitations that results in the best assessment and finished product cost and performance.

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Q: What are antimicrobial and bioproduct additives?

A: Antimicrobials and bioproducts are a class of ingredients used in a tremendous range of raw materials and finished goods.  The objective of these ingredients is to protect or to enhance the useable lifespan in the presence of microorganisms present in nearly all environments.  Antimicrobial target the microorganisms in the product, and bioproduct additives target the residual effects of the microorganisms such as stains or odors.  Used in combination, antimicrobials and bioproducts can diminish the microorganisms and the physical evidence of microorganisms including odors and stains.  The typical microorganisms of concern are commonly bacteria, and fungi; both disease and non-disease causing species.  There are numerous types of these additives and proper selection depends on the  performance required and the end use of the product.

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Q: What makes a product Biodegradable?

A:  In the most basic sense, biodegradability is the ability for a product to be consumed by microorganisms.  Biodegradability for the purposes of making claims as an inherent property of the material requires a bit more detail. 

Currently, unless the product is 100% naturally derived and not materially changed in the manufacturing process, testing must be performed to enable a supplier to make legitimate claims on a products biodegradability.  In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has oversight of false or misleading claims by a product.  The testing varies for different product types and the level or degree of biodegradability, for (compostability) require also varies, affecting the claims that can be used.

From a microbial perspective, there are two methods for biodegradation, aerobic in which organisms use oxygen as part of the respiration for consumption of nutrients, and anaerobic in which organisms use other atoms such as sulfur, in the process of respiration and consumption of nutrients. 

In the real world, there is typically a continuum of these two processes, but in waste treatment facilities, the facility is managed is such a way that one or the other process is the predominant form of degradation.

For most material, aerobic biodegradation is preferred. 

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Q:Is Situ Biosciences a specialty chemical company?

A: Situ Biosciences LLC is an independent microbiology consultation and testing laboratory.  We provide an unbiased assessment for the best antimicrobial solutions globally available, to solve your problem or enhance your finished product performance.

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General Antimicrobial Industry FAQ  

Fluorescent imaging allows identification of living (green) E. coli bacteria from dead (red) bacteria in biofilms and liquid formulations.

Microorganisms are abundant in nearly all environments.  Only a small portion of those present are typically associated with negative effects requiring the use of antimicrobials. 

Unfortunately, once an organism becomes established, it will quickly grow and exploit any beneficial conditions in that environment,  causing the issues we associate with contamination and disease.