A vacuum-vortex technique for preparation of anoxic solutions or liquid culture media in small volumes for cultivating methanogens or other strict anaerobes.

A highly efficient method is described for producing at room temperature anoxic solutions of 50 ml or less in test tubes or serum vials by combining negative pressure with strong vortexing so that the liquid-surface, gas exchange area is increased by orders of magnitude. Liquid media suitable for the cultivation of methanogens may be rendered anoxic after three short vacuum-vortex steps. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.