sterilize equipment

[Judge]

Good idea or bad idea.
Would it be good to sterilize equipment in a microwave (slides, petri dish, etc.)?

[Greg Howald]

A microwave can kill bacteria in about 60 seconds but has no affect on most viruses or spores. It will not act as an autoclave. General sterilization with a microwave is based on the heat generated rather than the microwave frequency, thus food is sterilized because of the water in the food being heated. No moisture means little heat.
Equipment can be sterilized by boiling (that's kind of dangerous due to possible damage) or by baking in an oven at around 180 degrees F.
Sterilization of such equipment using a microwave is not highly recommended.
Greg

[dtsh]

I used the oven when I was doing plant invirto stuff, wrap tools in aluminum foil and bake. I've also used the pressure cooker.

[EYE C U]

BARBICIDE

[Judge]

Thanks. Any other suggestions?

[Alexander]

An autoclave.

[jfiresto]

Paraformaldehyde generating gaseous formaldehyde is a classic for sterilizing operating microscopes. This PDF is a more recent reference and attached is an earlier one.

[Judge]

Thanks