Duncan Lab Protocol For Making

Drosophila Melanogaster Fly Food Media

 

This is the protocol the duncan lab uses for making Fly food media. We are a small Research lab that does not have access to a large steam kettle, media pump or technician.  Our lab uses this protocol to make approximately 600-800 vials in approximately 3 hours.

  1. 1.Autoclave H2O

  2. 2.Weight out all necessary ingredients. We use the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center Standard Recipe without the Light Malt Extract. Ingredients per liter (L) H2O include

  3. i.Yeast Extract 17.3 grams

  4. ii.Soy Flour 10.0 grams

  5. iii.Cornmeal 73.1 grams

  6. iv.Agar 5 grams

  7. v.Light Corn Syrup 76.9 ml

  8. vi.Propionic Acid 5.0 ml

  1. 3.Measure out water and bring to boil in a large pot.

  2. 4.Slowly add Agar, Yeast Extract, and Soy Flour to the pot while mixing with a spoon or whisk to avoid clumping.

  3. 5.Very slowly mix in the Corn Meal. The Corn Meal tends to clump, so adding the Corn Meal slowly while constantly stirring is critical.

  4. 6.Continue mixing until the the food comes to a boil and begins to form a smooth slurry.

  5. 7.When the mix reaches a boil, turn off the heat source and stir in the Light Corn Syrup.

  6. 8.Cover the mix and allow to cool slightly prior to the addition of Propionic Acid. Mix thoroughly.

  7. 9.Dispense the medium into vials and/or bottles. We use a standard food service sauce server i.e. a chili dog or nacho cheese sauce pump. The pump, an efficient cost-effective method of pouring Drosophila media, contains an adjustable thermostat, a large caliber heated spout, and portion control capability to ensure that media is maintained at temperature and easily passes through the dispenser without solidifying.

  8. 10. Cover vials with cheesecloth and allow to cool for approximately 4-6 hours before plugging with cotton.