The Sclerotium Bank: Long-Term Storage

When a researcher finds an “Elite Strain” (like a particularly fast Japanese strain or a very accurate Australian one), they don’t want to lose it. But keeping a blob active requires daily feeding.

The solution is Banking. By forcing the blob into a

sclerotium: A hardened, dormant state.

, you can “freeze” its age and store it on your shelf.

The Professional “Filter Paper” Method

This is the standard protocol for creating a biological bank of your blobs.

Phase 1: Preparation

1. The Subject: Use a vigorous, healthy plasmodium that is 3–4 days old.
2. The Bedding: Place a piece of sterile, non-acidic filter paper (or a plain white paper towel) into a clean petri dish.
3. The Move: Gently transfer a segment of the blob onto the moist filter paper.

Phase 2: The Drying Phase

1. Starve It: Do NOT add any oats. Hunger is the first signal the blob needs to go to sleep.
2. Darkness: Place the dish in a completely dark area.
3. Controlled Desiccation: Prop open the lid of the petri dish (around 2mm) using a piece of tape or a toothpick. This allows the water to evaporate slowly over 2 to 3 days.
   • If it dries too fast, the blob might die.
   • If it dries too slow, mold will move in.

Phase 3: Harvesting

1. Once the drying is complete, the blob will have turned into a hard, orange/yellow crust. This is the Sclerotium.
2. Carefully cut the filter paper into 1cm squares.
3. Place these squares into a sealed, airtight Ziploc bag or a microcentrifuge tube.

Rejuvenation: The Biological Reset

Banking isn’t just for storage; it’s a “health treatment.”

Research shows that as a blob grows, it accumulates oxidative stress (basically biological “rust”). When you force it into a sclerotium, the cell undergoes a cleanup process.

The Result: When you revive a piece of your “bank” with water, the new blob is often faster, more vibrant, and has a “younger” metabolism than the one you started with!

Storage Standards

• Short Term (1-6 months): Store at room temperature in a dark drawer.
• Long Term (1-5 years): Store in the refrigerator at 4°C. Ensure the container is perfectly dry; even a tiny bit of humidity inside the bag can cause the blob to wake up and starve to death.

Professional Tip: Always label your bank! Include the species name, the strain (e.g., Australian), and the date it was banked.

Revived your blob? Time to set up a new Agar Habitat.