Cell culture consumables must be sterile to prevent contamination of cell cultures. Contamination can lead to inaccurate experimental results and loss of valuable cell lines. Here are common sterilization methods:

· Autoclaving: This is a high-pressure steam sterilization method suitable for most materials, including glass and polystyrene. It is the most common method for sterilizing cell culture consumables.

· Gamma Irradiation: This method uses ionizing radiation to sterilize materials. It is suitable for heat-sensitive materials and can be used to sterilize large quantities of consumables.

· Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilization: This method is suitable for heat-sensitive materials, such as plasticware and certain types of filters. However, it requires special equipment and can be time-consuming.

The choice of sterilization method depends on the type of consumable and the desired level of sterility. Some consumables, such as plasticware, may be pre-sterilized by the manufacturer.