| 摘要 |
25520 A method is disclosed for reducing the oxygen content of a medium in which are present cells, usually anaerobic microorganisms, to extend the time during which the cells remain viable. The method comprises having in fluid contact with the aqueous medium an effective amount of an oxidase and substrate for the oxidase. The oxidase and substrate for the oxidase in an aqueous medium can be in fluid, e.g., air, contact with a separately contained aqueous medium in which the cells are present. Alternatively, the cells can be present in the same aqueous medium as the oxidase and substrate for the oxidase. The aqueous medium containing the oxidase and the substrate for the oxidase can further contain a hydrogen peroxide scavenger in an effective amount. A composition in accordance with the invention comprises in a liquid medium viable cells, such as anaerobic microorganisms, an oxidase and its substrate in an amount sufficient to retain the viability of the cells, and a hydrogen peroxide scavenger in an amount sufficient to reduce the level of hydrogen peroxide generated by the oxidase. The method of the invention has particular application in transport media used for transporting microbiological specimens. |
