Physarum polycephalum Sclerotium Box Carolina Biological 6×0.7×0.7 in

Description

Product Overview

The Physarum polycephalum sclerotium is a living, dormant form of the well‑known slime mold that reactivates when provided with moisture and a suitable substrate. Packaged in a sturdy, clear‑top box measuring 6 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches and weighing just 0.8 ounces, the specimen arrives ready for immediate use. The box is constructed from high‑impact polymer that protects the delicate sclerotium during shipping while allowing easy visual inspection. Each unit is sourced from Carolina Biological Supply Company, a trusted name in scientific education since 1927, ensuring consistent quality and traceability. The sclerotium is harvested under controlled laboratory conditions, guaranteeing a pure, contaminant‑free culture that can be used for a wide range of experiments, from basic classroom demonstrations of chemotaxis to advanced research on network formation and decision‑making in unicellular organisms. The product dimensions and lightweight design make it simple to store in standard laboratory refrigerators or classroom cabinets, and the clear lid enables students and researchers to observe the organism’s growth without opening the container.

Usage

This living sclerotium is ideal for high‑school biology labs, undergraduate courses, and professional research facilities. When a few drops of distilled water are added to the substrate, the sclerotium hydrates and the slime mold begins to spread, forming a visible network of veins that can be photographed or recorded for time‑lapse studies. In classroom settings, educators can demonstrate concepts such as nutrient foraging, environmental response, and emergent behavior, allowing students to witness real‑time biological problem solving. In research environments, the organism serves as a model for studying collective intelligence, optimization algorithms, and bio‑inspired computing. The compact box format also supports field‑based investigations, enabling outdoor ecology projects where students can compare growth patterns under varying temperature and humidity conditions. Because the sclerotium remains dormant until rehydrated, it can be stored for months without loss of viability, providing flexibility for curriculum planning and experimental scheduling.

Why Choose Us

Carolina Biological Supply Company backs every sclerotium with a legacy of scientific excellence and a commitment to customer service. Technical support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm ET, and live chat assists users during regular business hours. The company’s rigorous quality‑control protocols include sterility testing, viability assessment, and batch‑to‑batch consistency checks, ensuring that each box delivers a reliable, high‑purity specimen. Additionally, the packaging includes detailed handling instructions, safety data sheets, and suggested experimental protocols, reducing preparation time for educators and researchers. With a 4.9‑star rating from ten verified customers, the product has demonstrated consistent performance and satisfaction across a diverse user base. The combination of a trusted brand, robust support infrastructure, and a product designed for ease of use makes this sclerotium a superior choice for anyone seeking a dependable, living biological material.

Key Features

• Compact, durable box makes storage and transport effortless
• High‑purity, contaminant‑free sclerotium ensures reliable experimental results
• Easy rehydration process activates growth within minutes
• Versatile for classroom demos, research studies, and hobbyist projects
• Backed by Carolina Biological’s expert technical support and detailed protocols

FAQ

How do I activate the sclerotium?

Simply add a few drops of distilled water to the substrate inside the box, close the lid, and place the container in a warm, dark environment. The sclerotium will absorb moisture and begin to expand, forming a visible network of slime mold within 12–24 hours.

Can the organism be reused after an experiment?

Yes. After the slime mold has completed an experiment, you can gently remove excess substrate, add a small amount of fresh water, and store the box in a refrigerator. The sclerotium will re‑enter a dormant state and can be re‑activated for future use.

What safety precautions are required?

The organism is non‑pathogenic and poses minimal risk, but standard laboratory hygiene practices should be followed. Wear gloves when handling the box, avoid direct ingestion, and dispose of used substrate according to local bio‑hazard guidelines.

Is this product suitable for undergraduate research?

Absolutely. The sclerotium provides a cost‑effective, reproducible model for studying topics such as chemotaxis, network formation, and decision‑making in a single‑cell organism, making it ideal for undergraduate labs and capstone projects.

What is the shelf life of the sclerotium?

When stored in a cool, dry place, the dormant sclerotium remains viable for up to 12 months. Once rehydrated, it should be used within a week for optimal health and activity.