Re: tube capping

["John, Allan" <allan.john@FORESTRY.GSI.GOV.UK>]

Dear All,

Carol has asked me how we cut the rolls of clingfilm into small rolls.  
I made an error orignally in my message.  The small clingfilm rolls are 
1.5 inches wide (about 4cms).

I cut them on a powered bandsaw.  You can also do it with a hacksaw.  
The action of sawing welds the clingfilm due to the heat generated.  
The welded layer is about 1mm thick.  I trim this layer off with a number 
26 blade in a long handled scalpel.

It sounds quite risky and it is.  You have to be very careful but with 
practise, you can become quite proficient.  If you intend to try it, start 
off with 30 metre rolls or shorter.  These are easier to do.  Dont try to 
force the blade through the clingfilm.  Just shave off the surface layer.

An hours work will produce enough clingfilm small rolls to last for 
about 6 months in a not too busy lab.

Be careful

Allan

Dr Allan John
Tree Biotechnologist
Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
Scotland
EH25 9SY
UK
Phone - 0131 445 2176
Facs - 0131 455 5124
E-Mail - allan.john@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

-----Original Message-----
From: Plant Tissue Culture [mailto:PLANT-TC@LISTS.UMN.EDU]
Sent: 17 October 2005 12:41
To: PLANT-TC@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re:  tube capping

Allan:
How do you cut the rolls?  I have tried that and get a mess - it sticks
together.  Would like to know your secret.

Thanks.......................carol

Carol M. Stiff, Ph.D.
Kitchen Culture Kits, Inc.
http://www.kitchenculturekit.com
936-699-3551   FAX 936-699-3553
kck@turbonet.com
For translation, go to: http://babelfish.altavista.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: Plant Tissue Culture [mailto:PLANT-TC@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of John, Allan
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 2:50 AM
To: PLANT-TC@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re:  tube capping

Dear All,

Chris Selby in Belfast found that parafilm gives off volatiles that can
affect culture growth. I can't remember the reference but you should be able
to find it on a name search.

We use sandwich wrap (clingfilm).  I buy the 60 metre rolls of polyethylene
sandwich wrap in the local supermarket.  I cut it down into smaller 1 inch
(2.5cm) rolls and we use that to seal everything ie culture tubes, petri
plates and magenta vessels.  It has been known since the early 70's that
polyethylene leaks like a seive where gases are concerned.  We have never
had problems with shoot cultures or embryogenic cultures.  I would advise
you to stay away from PVC film but I can't give you a good reason why.  You
will also need to investigate the different brands.  In the UK we have found
that the best is Saisbury's Non PVC Food Wrap.  Perhaps I should put in a
disclaimer that I have no financial connections with the company, more's the
pity.

Happy Wrapping

Allan

Dr Allan John
Tree Biotechnologist
Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
Scotland
EH25 9SY
UK
Phone - 0131 445 2176
Facs - 0131 455 5124
E-Mail - allan.john@forestry.gsi.gov.uk