Tryptic Soy Broth and Protein

[Bionoggin]

At work we use Tryptic Soy Broth media for detection of microbiological contamination. We have had more than one instance where no contamination was detected; however, the broth was observed to have fiber-like particles or formations present which were identified as protein. Prior to use, the broth is filtered. Does anyone have any idea of how/why these fibrous protein formations are occuring?

[MicroSilver]

We use Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) for the same purposes and we have seen the same thing.

 

What process is the TSB involved in? Is it coming in contact with any chemicals? Is there any temperature ranges the TSB is maintained at? Is there any mechanical shock being subjected on the media (vigorous mixing)? Is there a pH change in media that has the fiber-like particulate? Have you run any controlled experiments to try and reproduce the particulate?

 

Any ideas I have had so far on why this would be happening have been invalidated by lab experiments.