In Microbiology laboratory we, Microbiologist cultivate bacteria on various media. Nutrient agar is most commonest and general purpose medium used for cultivating many bacteria. Nutrient agar medium is prepared and first sterilized in autoclave and poured in sterile glass Petri-plate under aseptic condition between two bunsen burners and allowed to it cool at room temperature.So that the medium becomes semisolid. A loop ful of bacterial suspension is streaked with sterile nichrome wire loop on the nutrient agar plate under aseptic condition.The plate in incubated in incubator at 37 degree Celsius for 16-18 hours.Next day we observe the bacterial growth on nutrient agar plate.We further study it's morphology using compound microscope.
Now interesting point is certain bacteria produce pigment.For example Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce bluish green pigment.Staphylococcus aureus produce golden yellow pigment whereas Serratia marcescence produce blood red coloured pigment.
On 17 September International Microorganism Day, an annual celebration of microbiology (17September 202," international microbiology day ",a competition was arranged amongst students for Agar art. Serratia marcescence was streaked by student artists so as to get different red coloured pictures. Here is a picture of Lord Shivji on nutrient agar plate.It's really wonderful art of managing the work.The spirit and creativity of student participants was appreciable.
