Petri Dish: A Critical Tool for Microbiology and Laboratory Research

Introduction

The Petri dish is a staple in any microbiology or diagnostics lab. Though simple in appearance, it plays a vital role in cultivating microorganisms, testing antibiotics, and supporting research in clinical, pharmaceutical, and academic environments.

At LabFriend, we supply high-quality Petri dishes from globally trusted manufacturers including BRAND, Kartell, ISOLAB Laborgeräte GmbH, and DWK Life Sciences DURAN®. Whether you’re looking for disposable plastic Petri dishes or reusable glass Petri dishes, we have options ready for fast Australia-wide delivery.

🧪 What Is a Petri Dish?

A Petri dish, also called a culture dish, is a shallow, cylindrical, lidded container primarily used to culture bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in nutrient-rich agar or liquid media. Petri dishes are made from either borosilicate glass or medical-grade plastic, depending on application and lab protocol.

📚 Common Laboratory Applications

Petri dishes are essential across many disciplines:

• Microbiology: Bacterial, fungal, and yeast culture

• Pharmaceutical R&D: Antimicrobial testing

• Environmental science: Surface or air sampling

• Botany: Plant cell or seed culture

• Education: Teaching aseptic techniques and colony morphology

🧫 Types of Petri Dishes Available at LabFriend

1️⃣ Disposable Petri Dishes – BRAND, Kartell

• Made from crystal-clear polystyrene

• Sterile and ready for use

• Vented or non-vented designs for optimal airflow

• Ideal for diagnostics, high-throughput labs, and teaching

🔗 Shop Disposable Petri Dishes – BRAND, Kartell

2️⃣ Glass Petri Dishes – ISOLAB, DURAN®

• Made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass

• Autoclavable and reusable

• Perfect for labs that require flame sterilisation or heat application

• Excellent for long-term sustainability and reduced waste

🔗 Browse Glass Petri Dishes – ISOLAB, DWK DURAN®

3️⃣ Vented vs. Non-Vented Petri Dishes

• Vented dishes support aerobic growth and reduce condensation

• Non-vented dishes maintain a more anaerobic environment

All models are available in standard sizes (90 mm to 100 mm) and come with or without lids.

✅ How to Choose the Right Petri Dish

When selecting a Petri dish, keep these key factors in mind:

• Material:

  • Choose polystyrene for sterile disposables.

  • Opt for borosilicate glass for reusable applications.

• Sterility:

  • Disposable dishes are supplied pre-sterilised.

  • Glass dishes require autoclaving before use.

• Size & Volume:

  • Standard 90 mm is ideal for most lab protocols.

  • Larger sizes may suit environmental or field studies.

• Venting:

  • Use vented dishes for better air circulation.

  • Use non-vented dishes for controlled atmospheric conditions.

🧰 Best Practices for Petri Dish Use

• Label dishes on the base, not the lid, to avoid misidentification.

• Incubate dishes lid-down to reduce condensation falling onto agar.

• Store unused dishes in clean, dry environments, preferably sealed in sterile bags.

• Always handle using aseptic techniques to reduce contamination risk.

💡 Use Petri dish holders or racks from Kartell for organised storage and handling.

🏷️ Why Buy Petri Dishes from LabFriend?

LabFriend offers:

• ✅ Trusted brands: BRAND, Kartell, ISOLAB, and DWK Life Sciences DURAN®

• ✅ Competitive pricing for bulk quantities

• ✅ Vented, non-vented, glass, and plastic options

• ✅ Fast shipping across Australia

• ✅ Ideal for microbiology, life sciences, diagnostics, and education

🔗 Explore our complete Petri dish range

📈 Final Thoughts

Whether you're growing bacteria, preparing plant tissue cultures, or demonstrating aseptic techniques, the Petri dish remains a critical tool in every lab. Selecting the right type—glass or plastic, sterile or reusable—ensures reliable, contamination-free results.

At LabFriend, we simplify the process of sourcing the right Petri dish for your workflow. With global brands, fast delivery, and excellent customer support, your lab is always in good hands.

📦 Need help choosing? Contact our labware specialists
🛒 Ready to order? Buy Petri Dishes Online