Media for Optimal Cell Growth and Yield of Escherichia Coli Cultures

In case a medium cannot be found please also look at the synonymous names.

Tryptone broth is a moderately rich medium for growth and cultivation of Escherichia Coli.

Terrific Broth is a rich medium compared to LB and Tryptone Media. The medium is developed for higher density growth of Escherichia Coli cells and higher yield of plasmid DNA compared to LB and Tryptone broth.

Super Broth is an even richer medium developed for obtaining high yields of lambda bacteriophage in liquid lysates, Botstein, D. et al.

Powdered Media Storage and Preparation

Ready made powdered media are hygroscopic and must be protected from atmospheric moisture.  Always reseal tightly after opening.

Store the medium dry at room temperature.

Preparing media in a concentrated form is not recommended.  Some salt and protein complexes may precipitate in a concentrated solution.

Sterilise the medium in a validated autoclave at 1 kg/cm2 (15 psi) at 121°C. for 15 minutes.  Higher temperatures or exceeding the period of time for autoclavation may cause a  brown decolourisation of the medium due to caramelisation of the glucose present in the medium.  Denaturising of proteins may occur as well.  Both will result in poor cell growth.

References:
Botstein, D. et al, Mol. Biol., 91, 439, (1975)
Lennox, E.S., Virology, 1, 190, (1955).
Luria, S.E. and Burrous, J.W., J. Bacteriol. 74, 471, (1957).
Luria, S.E. et al., Virology, 12, 348, (1960).
Blattner, F., et al. Science, 196, 161, (1977).
Miller, J.H., Experiments in Molecular Genetics, C.S.H.   Press, N.Y., (1972)