Tyndallization is a term used in microbiology to refer to a process of sterilization that involves alternating cycles of heating and cooling to kill bacterial endospores. The word is spelled as "tɪnˌdælɪˈzeɪʃən" using IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word is derived from the name of John Tyndall, the 19th-century scientist who first proposed the sterilization method. The process of tyndallization is often used in laboratory settings to reduce the risk of contamination and ensure clean cultures for experiments.
Tyndallization is a microbiological method used for the sterilization of heat-sensitive substances. The term is derived from the name of John Tyndall, an Irish physicist who first developed and described this process in the late 19th century.
In tyndallization, the goal is to eliminate or destroy bacterial spores in a substance that cannot withstand high heat without being damaged. This method is commonly used in laboratory settings where standard autoclave sterilization is not feasible due to the delicate nature of the material under consideration.
The process involves a series of intermittent heating and cooling cycles over a period of several days. It takes advantage of the intermittent nature of bacterial spore germination and aims to eliminate spores during their active growth phase. The substance to be sterilized is first heated to a temperature that allows for the germination of spores, typically around 55 to 65 degrees Celsius. After a specified period, the substance is cooled to prevent active growth. This cycle is repeated several times, with each cycle reducing the number of viable spores.
Tyndallization is not as efficient or time-effective as other sterilization methods like autoclaving or dry heat sterilization. However, it is a valuable option for heat-sensitive substances, such as certain laboratory media, gels, or other solutions. It is crucial to note that tyndallization does not achieve complete sterilization, as bacterial spores can still survive. Therefore, it is essential to use appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of contamination when employing this method.
Fractional sterilization.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tyndallization" is derived from the name of the 19th-century Irish scientist John Tyndall. John Tyndall made significant contributions to the field of microbiology and is known for developing a sterilization method called "Tyndallization".
Tyndall's research focused on understanding the heat resistance of bacterial spores. He discovered that while heating a solution could kill most bacteria, some heat-resistant spores could survive. Tyndallization is a process that takes advantage of this knowledge by subjecting a solution to intermittent heating over a period of several days. The purpose is to kill any vegetative bacteria while allowing spores to germinate, followed by another round of heating to kill the newly formed vegetative cells. This process is repeated multiple times to ensure the elimination of all bacterial growth.