A spore syringe is a specialized tool used in mycology to transfer dormant genetic material for research and cultivation purposes. This device is essentially a sterile syringe that holds millions of microscopic mushroom spores suspended in purified water. The primary function of the spore syringe is to act as a method of inoculation, allowing for the precise introduction of spores into a nutrient-rich medium to begin the mushroom life cycle. The simple design makes it a convenient way to store and transport spores without them prematurely activating their biological processes.
Anatomy of a Spore Syringe
The spore syringe is composed of several specific parts. The main body is the syringe barrel, which is typically marked with volume measurements, and the plunger, used to draw and expel the contents. Inside the barrel, the carrier liquid is usually sterile distilled or purified water, selected because it is nutrient-free and will not encourage the spores to germinate prematurely. Millions of microscopic mushroom spores float within this sterile solution. Since spores tend to settle at the bottom of the syringe over time, they will often appear as dark clusters or a sediment. The syringe tip is sealed with a cap, which is removed and replaced with a sterile needle for use. The cap ensures the contents remain sterile until the moment of application.
The Process of Spore Suspension
The creation of a spore syringe involves several steps focused on maintaining a sterile environment to prevent contamination. The process begins with the collection of spores from a mature mushroom, typically by allowing the mushroom cap to drop its spores onto a sterile surface like foil or glass to create a spore print. This print contains the concentrated genetic material needed for the suspension.
The next step is to transfer the spores from the print into the sterile liquid. This is often done by scraping a small amount of the spores into pre-sterilized water, which may have been purified through a pressure cooker or autoclave. The mixture is then drawn into the syringe, sometimes with surfactant to prevent the spores from clumping together. Aseptic technique, such as working in a still air box or in front of a laminar flow hood, is necessary throughout this preparation to keep contaminants out of the final product.
Application for Mycology Inoculation
Using a spore syringe to inoculate a substrate requires careful attention to sterile protocol. Before beginning, the cultivator should prepare a clean, draft-free workspace, ideally using a still air box or flow hood to minimize the risk of airborne contaminants. The syringe should be gently shaken for about 30 to 60 seconds to evenly distribute the settled spores throughout the sterile water.
The sterile needle is attached to the syringe and then sterilized with a flame source, such as a butane torch. The needle must be heated until it glows red-hot, then allowed to cool to avoid killing the spores on contact. The cultivator then disinfects the injection site on the growth medium, such as a grain jar or bag, with isopropyl alcohol.
The needle is inserted into the substrate, and the spore solution is injected, typically at a volume between 1 to 2 milliliters per injection point for small jars. For larger bags of substrate, a greater volume, sometimes up to 5 milliliters, may be necessary to ensure wide distribution of the spores. Following the injection, the hole created by the needle must be sealed immediately with tape to prevent contaminants from entering the medium. A single drop of the spore solution can also be placed onto a nutrient agar plate for germination, which is a common technique for isolating a clean culture.
Handling and Storage Requirements
Maintaining the viability of a spore syringe depends heavily on proper storage before it is used. The ideal storage environment is cool, dark, and clean, with the typical recommendation being refrigeration. Spore syringes should be stored at a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F), which slows the metabolic processes of the dormant spores and extends their shelf life.
It is important to store the syringe away from direct light, especially UV light, which can degrade the spores and reduce their potency over time. While a syringe can remain viable for several months at room temperature, proper refrigeration can extend the shelf life to 12 to 24 months. Placing the syringe in a sealed bag or container before refrigerating it protects the contents from moisture and condensation.