The Oxoid Anaerobic System is composed of all the required items to cultivate anaerobic and microaerophilic organisms. The cylindrical jar (HP0011) is composed of transparent and very thick, strong polycarbonate plastic. This 3.5 litre jar holds 15 agar plates (in a single stack) and is extremely robust and will withstand many years of use. The jar incorporates a holder to prevent accidental loss of the rubber seals, as the seal is in place at all times, even when the lid is removed. The lid is a single self-centring and self sealing cast-metal plate which means that sealing quick and easy. The lid is placed atop the jar and it automatically falls into place around the seal, after which a cast metal clamp and hand screw maintain its position. There is an in- and out-put valve (Schrader-type) and an automatic safety valve built into the lid. The standard system also has a pressure gauge, but this is optional. Clips are also supplied to allow filling and evacuation using a vacuum pump and gas cylinder.
The system comes with a corrosion resistant plate holder which makes plate removal easy. It also holds an Anaerobic Indicator (BR0055) and a gas-generation pack or even a second Low-Temperature Catalyst (BR0042). A tube holding adapter can be purchased. Catalysts may be fitted beneath the lid which prevents obstruction of the view of the jar’s contents during incubation.
The catalysts are palladium-coated ceramic-beads which provides a large surface area for catalysis. Four grams of catalyst are provided per jar which is higher than recommended for a jar of this size. These features enable the rapid generation of an anaerobic atmosphere. The beads are enclosed within a foil sachet and a stainless steel wire mesh, preventing particulate matter escaping into the jar. The system can be regenerated by dry-heat and regeneration of the catalysts every 30 cycles is recommended. The catalysts retain their function for many years.
Filling is simple - the ‘Standard’ Anaerobic System is most easily filled using the valves built into the lid. The jar can be evacuated by vacuum and refilled with your selected gas mixture from a cylinder. The Oxoid Low Temperature Catalyst (BR0042) will catalyse the removal of any residual oxygen in the jar to create a strictly anaerobic environment. The system can also accommodate gas generation kits and many types are available, including the Anaerogen gas pack (AN0035), Anaerobic Gas Generating Kit (BR0038), Carbon Dioxide Gas Generating Kit (BR0039) and the Campylobacter Gas Generating Kit. The latter is useful for generation of a microaerophilic environment for any organisms that prefer these conditions (not just Campylobacter!).
Oxoid also manufactures the Anaerobic Indicator system (BR0055). This system is comprised of a small white fabric that is soaked in a solution containing resazurin, enclosed in a small sachet. After opening, the fabric square is pulled partially out of the sachet whereupon it immediately turns pink. It is held by a clip provided on the plate holder. Upon incubation in an anaerobic environment, the strip will lose its pink colour. This allows visible discrimination between anaerobic and aerobic conditions inside the chamber.
The Oxoid anaerobic system is a complete robust, convenient, flexible and well thought-out system for the growth and maintenance of anaerobic and microaerophilic organisms.
Scott J. Coutts
Department of Microbiology
Monash University
Australia