Growing probiotics (specifically Lactobacillus reuteri) at home

[Parkham]

Hello. I have been doing some reading regarding the benefits of probiotics and am fascinated by it. I have concluded that I should start adding supplements or foods rich in helpful bacteria to my diet. Probiotic supplements are expensive (for me), so the next step is to "cultivate" them at home if possible.

 

I have three questions:

How do researchers isolate specific bacteria in order to conduct experiments? Can someone do something similar at home with ordinary "tools"?

What ingredients are necessary to produce the various strains of the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri?

 

Thanks!

[StringJunky]

I was going to do probiotics during a lengthy period of treatment I went through but passed on it when I read that no meaningful numbers get passed the stomach acid to make a difference. To increase the amount getting through they need to be in a liquid medium that doesn't stimulate acid production; basically water. Going on this, producing, isolating and maintaining a pure enough bacterial culture is going to be beyond the knowledge and resources of the home DIYer. You could, of course, go the yoghurt or other food-based route but, like I said, it's not likely going be effective. If you read research on it, they find the cultured bacteria in the faeces but they don't say how many.

Edited January 19, 2017 by StringJunky

[Endy0816]

You can make kefir easily enough. Anything fermented runs into the purity problem StringJunky mentioned though.

[Parkham]

[..]producing, isolating and maintaining a pure enough bacterial culture is going to be beyond the knowledge and resources of the home DIYer. [..]

 

Do you know know how scientists isolate the bacteria to only one strain (or as close as possible) in a lab environment?

[StringJunky]

Do you know know how scientists isolate the bacteria to only one strain (or as close as possible) in a lab environment?

No. I'm sure CharonY does though.

[Parkham]

[..]What ingredients are necessary to produce the various strains of the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri?[..]

 

 

You can make kefir easily enough. Anything fermented runs into the purity problem StringJunky mentioned though.

 

Yes, I assume by the beginning of the name, (Lacto) ,that one would use some sort of milk based product such as kefir - but how could you get only Lactobacillus reuteri?

 

[PhilGeis]

This is simple microbiology but as String said, it's not a dyi project and, based on your comments, I don'lt think you have enough practical expertise to even attempt it safely.

[StringJunky]

I agree, it's not something you want to learn the hard way.

[Elite Engineer]

As far selecting specific bacterial strains, this can be done with different growth medias that certain bacteria will grow on. Once the selective bacteria starts to grow, help it proliferate with more media, nutrients, etc.

 

 

For example, Mannitol salt agar media is selective for Gram positive bacteria.

Edited February 21, 2017 by Elite Engineer

[StringJunky]

As far selecting specific bacterial strains, this can be done with different growth medias that certain bacteria will grow on. Once the selective bacteria starts to grow, help it proliferate with more media, nutrients, etc.

 

 

For example, Mannitol salt agar media is selective for Gram positive bacteria.

The big BUT though is that the OP won't have the required aseptic techniques or environment.