{"id":255840,"date":"2014-12-08T16:52:28","date_gmt":"2014-12-08T16:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sentryair.com\/blog\/?p=255840"},"modified":"2020-07-29T19:19:02","modified_gmt":"2020-07-29T19:19:02","slug":"brewery-labs-laminar-flow-hoods-aid-in-aseptic-processing-of-yeast-cultures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sentryair.com\/blog\/product-review\/fume-hoods\/portable-clean-room\/brewery-labs-laminar-flow-hoods-aid-in-aseptic-processing-of-yeast-cultures\/","title":{"rendered":"Brewery Labs: Laminar flow hoods aid in aseptic processing of yeast cultures"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an earlier blog post<\/a> we discussed the use of ductless air cleaners equipped with a specialty-blended carbon filter (50\/50 acid gas and activated carbon) for the control of chemical fume during beer bitterness sample testing.<\/p>\n

\"Healthy<\/a>

Healthy yeast culture colony on an agar plate. Photo Source: eurekabrewing.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

While it is important to analyze various quality components of beer in its drinkable state, it is equally if not more important to analyze the quality of each ingredient prior to starting the brewing process.<\/p>\n

Every brewer knows that quality beer begins with the meticulous examination and handling of their yeast culture strain.<\/p>\n

It is during this early stage where cleanliness and sterility are vital in order to protect the strain from unwanted contaminants that could permeate the beer.<\/p>\n

Use airflow to your advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n

In The Brewing Science Institute\u2019s publication entitled Brewers\u2019 Laboratory Handbook: Brewing without the blindfold\u2122<\/a>, they emphasize the importance of using aseptic techniques when handling and transferring cultures.<\/p>\n

The goal of using aseptic techniques is to create a barrier between the contaminants in the environment and the sterile culture cell.<\/p>\n

\"Mold<\/a>

Mold contamination of yeast colony. Photo Source: eurekabrewing.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Many brewers turn to positive pressure enclosures to help create this type of environment. By using positive pressure, airflow is directed away from the specimen rather than towards it in order to reduce the chance of particulate contamination.<\/p>\n

A quality positive pressure enclosure (or Laminar Flow Hood), coupled with proper aseptic specimen handling procedures, should result in a yeast culture that is free of unwanted microbes.<\/p>\n

What to look for in a laminar flow hood<\/strong><\/p>\n

With so many types of positive pressure systems on the market, it may become overwhelming to select the one most appropriate one for your brewery.<\/p>\n

Here are some key features to keep in mind:<\/p>\n