After a while of research, I decided to focus on isolating distinct types of bacteria with the aim showing their inter-communication regarding food, as well as their dyeing abilities. Indeed, this idea is not electronics-related, but the good news is, that the name of this course has also the “aesthetics and other interesting stuff” part on it.

A visual representation of bacterial communication systems

Streptomyces isolation from pure soil

I. Air dry the soil samples for 3-4 h at 45° to select for Actinomyces spores, considering that many other bacteria die during this pre-treatment

II. Plate the samples either on to Actinomycete Isolation Agar (AIA) or Mannitol Soy Flour Agar (MSA)

Necessities for the recipe of Mannitol Soy Flour Agar

In a 250 mL conical flask mix:

2g Agar
2g Mannitol
2g Soya flour (Holland and Barrett)
10 mM CaCl2
100 mL Deionised water

III. Incubate at 30°C for 7 days

Optional: Supplementation with cyclohexamide (50 μg/ml) and nystatin (50 μg/ml) to further remove competing bacteria

Considering the pattern-forming abilities of Paenibacillus Vortex, I am interested in depicting the communication pathways between nutrients and bacteria. Basically, how the bacteria reach for its nutrients. I am planning on isolating the Paenibacillus Vortex on agar and adding Pepton as a nutrient.