SAB? Still air box, how and why

A Still Air Box (SAB) is a simple but crucial tool used in mycology for working with sterile cultures, agar plates, and inoculating substrates without the risk of contamination. It functions by creating a controlled environment with minimal airflow and using gravity to your advantage, reducing the chance of airborne contaminants reaching the work area.

Why Use a Still Air Box in Mycology:

Minimizes the risk of contamination: By reducing airflow and creating a controlled environment, SABs help prevent airborne contaminants from reaching sterile cultures and substrates.

Provides a workspace for sterile procedures: SABs provide a designated area where mycologists can work with agar plates, inoculate substrates, and transfer cultures under sterile conditions.

How a Still Air Box Works:

A SAB is typically a transparent or translucent container with openings for hands and arms.
Before use, the SAB is sanitized and treated with a disinfectant to minimize the risk of contamination.

The mycologist places their arms and hands into the SAB through the openings to perform sterile procedures.

Any items needed for the work are pre-sterilized or treated with disinfectants before being introduced into the SAB.

How to Make a simple Still Air Box (SAB) with household items.

Materials Needed:

Large transparent or translucent plastic storage container with a lid
Gloves
Disinfectant (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol)
Work gloves and mask for safety
Sharp utility knife or scissors (or a large metal coffee can, for coffee can trick)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Choose a Suitable Container:

Select a large plastic storage container with a clear or translucent lid. Ensure it is large enough to comfortably accommodate your arms and hands while working.

Prepare the Container:

Thoroughly clean the container and lid with soap and water. Rinse well and allow to air dry.

Create Arm Ports:

Using a sharp utility knife or scissors, carefully cut two round holes in one side of the container large enough for your arms to fit through comfortably. These will serve as the arm ports. Or you can heat the rim of a coffee can on a stovetop and then melt perfect arm holes into the plastic. PRO TIP: offset the holes (one slightly raised, left or right handed?) in order to make comfortable pours/other movements while working in your SAB

Disinfect the SAB:

Wear gloves and a mask for protection. Wipe down the interior surfaces of the container, including the arm ports, with a disinfectant such as 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the container to air dry completely.

Prepare Your Work Area:

Set up your SAB in a clean and relatively dust-free area. Avoid areas with high airflow or drafts.

Use Proper Sterile Techniques:

Before working in the SAB, wash your hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves and a mask. Ensure any tools or equipment you’ll be using are also sterile. Utilizing flame or antiseptics. BE VERY CAUTIOUS USING ISOPROPYL and FLAME near one another.

Perform Sterile Procedures:

Place your arms and hands into the arm ports of the SAB.
Work slowly and deliberately within the SAB, taking care not to create unnecessary airflow or disturb the sterile environment. PRO TIP: imagine the process in your mind and envision your workflow and then execute precisely and efficiently. Do your best to not hover over the sterile substrates, make sure to use sterile tools, be mindful of gravity introducing particulates into the sterile jars or agar plates, do your best to not allow contaminants invisible to the naked-eye to enter your work. An imagination will serve you well here.

Clean and Maintain Your SAB:

After each use, clean the interior of the SAB with a disinfectant and allow it to air dry before storing.

Regularly inspect the SAB for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace if necessary.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a functional Still Air Box (SAB) for working with sterile cultures and substrates in mycology. Remember to maintain proper sterile techniques and keep the SAB clean, and allow the air to settle in your work space to minimize the risk of contamination.