5 Ways To Increase Biomass In Your Shake Flasks

The shake flask, a common laboratory tool for cultivating cells and microorganisms, can be optimized for higher biomass production. Factor that can influence your growth include your choice of shaking throw and speed, working volume, flask geometry, nutrient provision, and achieving minimal interruption. For example, a 25mm shaking throw is recommended for flasks between 25mL to 2L, and reducing the working volume to 10% of the total shake flask volume can increase oxygen transfer. Specialized flask geometries can improve gas transfer. Adequate medium and supplements are crucial for cell growth, and minimizing cultivation interruptions can prevent growth disruption. Additionally, careful preparation of the inoculum from pre-cultures in the logarithmic phase of growth can maximize growth potential.