Module 2: Aseptic Technique and LC

Service Description

Sunday March 22nd - Module 2: Aseptic Technique and Liquid Culture Inoculation This is part 2 of our mushroom cultivation course only! *Some prior knowledge of mushroom cultivation or prior completion of Module 1 recommended* In this course you will be given a tour of our mycology lab at Circuit Launch and we will cover the critical step of introducing the liquid culture (LC) to the grain with an emphasis on creating and maintaining a sterile environment. This module builds the laboratory habits necessary to keep your cultures clean and your mycelium thriving. We will describe HEPA filters and 'laminar flow', as well as low-cost alternatives to these lab-quality pieces of clean air equipment. We will also cover aseptic technique fundamentals (masks, gloves, isopropyl alcohol) and offer a hands-on demo on safe handling and resterilization of syringes and demonstrating the proper technique for inoculating a grain jar. If you complete this module, you will be able to implement a full aseptic process and successfully inoculate a sterilized grain jar without introducing contaminants. All materials will be provided, *some prior mycological experience or completing Module 1 is recommended before taking this course* Your Instructors: Mario Gabiati is a professional horticulturist with over a decade of experience teaching mycology and laboratory sciences. He runs the training programs at Circuit Launch BioLabs, teaching vocational skills to hopeful future biotech entrepreneurs and scientists. When he isn't helping the next generation of bionerds get jobs in the bay area, he teaches mushroom identification and cultivation with Mycelial Mass Mushroom Science Club and inspires people with microscope art with the San Francisco Microscopical Society. Course co-instructor Misha Frankly’s journey with fungi began with a long line of Soviet foragers and a very crowded home closet. Today, Misha has traded the closet for the commercial field, working professionally in mushroom cultivation. A true lover of the outdoors, Misha spends their downtime hiking the SF Bay trails or supporting the West Coast music festival scene. He's here to help you bridge the gap between "hobbyist" and "harvest."