Sylgard-Coated Glass Petri Dishes
Method
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1. Thoroughly wash the bottoms of glass Petri dishes (60 × 15 mm; FisherScientific 08-748A) by rinsing the dishes extensively with deionized H2O, and then performing a final rinse with 95% (v/v) ethanol. Air dry.
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These steps ensure that the glass dishes are thoroughly cleaned and degreased.
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2. Thoroughly mix the two Sylgard 184 (Fisher Scientific 50366794) components in a ratio of 10:1 (base:curative), following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Sylgard is a two-component silicone elastomer: one is a base and the other a curing agent.
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3. Check for bubbles.
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If bubbles are evident, place the mix under vacuum (10–20 mm Hg) for 30 min.
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4. Pour the mix into each Petri dish until the bases are half-full (7–8 mm).
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5. Cure the coated dishes, placing them flat for 4 h in an air incubator set at 65°C.
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It is important not to disturb them while curing so that the surface remains smooth and flat, not wavy.
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6. Store the coated dishes indefinitely at room temperature.
