Biotech Terms - Science Terms - Biotechnology Industry Terms

Biotech Terms - Science Terms - Biotechnology Industry Terms: "7. How Are Biochemical Solutions Sterilized? In the mid-1800's, the process of pasteurization was described by Louis Pasteur, who discovered that heating solutions to moderate temperatures would reduce the numbers of contaminating live microorganisms. This research laid the groundwork for the development of today's autoclaves: Instruments in which solutions and dry materials are heated under pressure, for sterilization. Materials are heated rapidly, typically to about 121 degrees Celsius, under a pressure of about 15 psi. The high pressure prevents liquids from boiling over, thus allowing such high temperatures to virtually eliminate most live microorganisms."