Anaerobes

Anaerobes are organisms that do not require oxygen for growth and may die in its presence. Obligate anaerobes can't use oxygen and can be harmed by it whereas facultative anaerobes can grow without oxygen but can use it if it's present. You are probably familiar with anaerobes and you don't even know it. Anaerobes are responsible for producing ethanol, the key ingredient in alcoholic beverages. This occurs through a process called fermentation where acetaldehyde is reduced by NADH to form ethanol. Anaerobes can be cultured using the GasPak System. This is a sealed container in which oxygen gas combines with hydrogen gas to form water. This removes any oxygen gas from the container and creates an anaerobic environment. Companies such as BD, Bel-Art, and Chemglass all provide products used for anaerobe research.