MSM Trace Element (TE) solution

• Protocol
• Discussion

Authors: Stephan Christel & Mark Dopson

Abstract

Trace element solution for Mineral Salts Medium (MSM, see separate protocol http://www.nature.com/protocolexchange/protocols/3809). To be added when medium is not supplied with mineral. Add 1 ml of 100x Stock TE solution into 99 ml of MSM.

Reagents

• Trace Element solution:
  • Ferric chloride hexahydrate, FeCl3 x6H2O
  • Copper sulfate pentahydrate, CuSO4 x5H2O
  • Boric acid, HBO3
  • Manganese sulfate hydrate, MnSO4 xH2O
  • Sodium molybdate dihydrate, Na2MoO4 x2H2O
  • Cobalt chloride hexahydrate, CoCl2 x6H2O
  • Zink sulfate heptahydrate, ZnSO4 x7H2O
  • Sodium selenate, Na2SeO4
• General:
  • Sulfuric acid
  • Sodium hydroxide

Equipment

• Stirring rods
• Magnetic stirrer
• Measuring colves
• pH meter

Procedure

For 100x Stock TE solution:

• 1100 mg/l FeCl3 x6H2O
• 50 mg/l CuSO4 x5H2O
• 200 mg/l HBO3
• 200 mg/l MnSO4 xH2O
• 80 mg/l Na2MoO4 x2H2O
• 60 mg/l CoCl2 x6H2O
• 90 mg/l ZnSO4 x7H2O

• 10 mg/l Na2SeO4

• Add the constituents into a final volume of 1 liter of water (pH pre-adjusted to around 2.5), one at a time, dissolving before adding the next.

• Adjust the pH to 1.5 with sulfuric acid (and/or sodium hydroxide)

• sterile filter

Timing

about 30 minutes

Troubleshooting

• TE solution should be clear and almost colorless. Strong coloration indicates too high pH.

• When encountering difficulties during dissolution of a reagent, try adding some more sulfuric acid.

Author information

Stephan Christel & Mark Dopson, Systems Biology of Extreme Microorganisms, Dopson, Linnaeus University

Correspondence to: Stephan Christel ([email protected])

Source: Protocol Exchange (2015) doi:10.1038/protex.2015.032. Originally published online 24 March 2015.