REDUCING AGENTS or ANTIOXIDANTS

An antioxidant is a product that is preferably oxidised and therefore lengthens the lag phase of the oxidation of the phenolics. Different products are used:

• ascorbic acid, citric acid, L-cysteine hydrochloride, dithiothreitol, glutathione, mercaptoethanol [before sterilization and/or after sterilization, impregnate filter paper]

• these compounds can be used alone or in combination.

Some antioxidants become strong oxidants after they have been oxidised, e.g. ascorbic acid. Therefore their introduction into the culture medium can be detrimental in the long run.