What alternate method is used to sterilize media that cannot be heated?

Filtration is a suitable method for sterilizing media that cannot withstand heat. This technique involves passing the liquid media through a filter that has pores small enough to effectively remove microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. By using filtration, the integrity of the media is maintained without exposing it to high temperatures that might degrade its components or alter its properties.

This method is particularly useful for sterilizing heat-sensitive solutions like certain culture media, enzymes, and serum. The effectiveness of filtration ensures that contaminants are eradicated, and sterile conditions are achieved while preserving the biologically active ingredients of the medium.

Other methods, such as radiation, can also be effective for sterilization but may not be suitable for all types of media or components, particularly those that may degrade under exposure to such energy. Incineration and steam sterilization, on the other hand, involve high temperatures that would not be appropriate for sterilizing heat-sensitive media. Thus, filtration stands out as the ideal alternative method in this context.