Ward's® Microbes at Work: Production of an Antibiotic Lab Activity

Explore Fermentation Without Additional Equipment

Students gain experience with fermentation, the process by which important medical substances such as antibiotics, interferons, insulin, and growth hormone are produced, by actually growing Bacillus licheniformi in a controlled environment. Students prepare inoculum, measure pH, and test the effectiveness of the antibiotic produced. You will get all of the materials needed to construct a fermenter, enough bacterial culture and media for up to two fermentation runs, teacher’s manual, and student guides. Other cultures can be purchased separately.