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Actinomycete Isolation Agar (AC Agar) AS-1102 - Ausamics
$45.00 AUD
Actinomycete Isolation Agar (AC Agar)
Catalogue No. AS-1102 | Selective medium for isolating actinomycetes from soil & water | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, Australia
Cat. No. AS-1102 Selective Culture Medium Soil & Water Microbiology Australian Manufactured
Marketing / Display Titles
- Standard: Actinomycete Isolation Agar (AC Agar) — AS-1102
- Short/SEO: Actinomycete Isolation Agar | Streptomyces Selective Medium
- Long-tail: Actinomycete Isolation Agar for Soil & Water Testing — Sodium Propionate Selective, Australian Made
- Institutional: AC Agar (AS-1102) — Dehydrated Culture Media for Actinomycete Recovery, Manufactured in Australia
Overview
Actinomycete Isolation Agar (AC Agar) is a selective dehydrated culture medium used for isolating and cultivating actinomycetes — including Streptomyces and related genera — from soil, water, and other mixed environmental samples. Based on Olson's original formulation, sodium propionate acts as the key selective agent, suppressing many fast-growing bacteria and fungi so that slower-growing, filamentous actinomycetes can be recovered.
Technical Overview & Biochemistry
Sodium caseinate provides the primary nitrogen source; L-asparagine contributes supplementary nitrogen and amino acids. Dipotassium phosphate buffers the medium toward an alkaline pH (8.1 ± 0.2), which itself discourages many competing organisms. Magnesium and ferrous sulfates supply essential trace metallic ions, while glycerol — added separately at preparation — is the primary carbon and energy source metabolised by actinomycetes to drive aerial mycelium formation and sporulation on the medium surface.
Composition (per litre, nominal)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sodium caseinate | 2.0 g |
| L-Asparagine | 0.1 g |
| Sodium propionate | 4.0 g |
| Dipotassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄) | 0.5 g |
| Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) | 0.1 g |
| Ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄·7H₂O) | 0.001 g |
| Agar | 15.0 g |
| Glycerol (added separately) | 5.0 mL |
Final pH 8.1 ± 0.2 at 25 °C. Formula may be adjusted and standardised to optimise performance.
Applications
| Use case | Detail |
|---|---|
| Environmental microbiology | Isolation and enumeration of actinomycetes from soil samples |
| Water testing | Recovery of actinomycetes from water and sediment samples |
| Bioprospecting | Screening for antibiotic- and bioactive-compound-producing actinomycete strains |
| Culture maintenance | Sub-culturing and stock maintenance of actinomycete isolates on agar slants |
| Teaching & research | Soil and environmental microbiology laboratory coursework |
Cross-Reference / Equivalent Products
| Supplier | Product Name | Catalogue No. |
|---|---|---|
| AuSaMicS | Actinomycete Isolation Agar | AS-1102 |
| BD Difco | Actinomycete Isolation Agar | 212168 |
| HiMedia | Actinomycete Isolation Agar | M490 |
Equivalence is based on published formulation and intended use; users should verify performance under their own conditions.
Intent-Based Search Queries
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Preparation
Suspend 21.7 g of powder in 1 litre of purified/distilled water. Add 5.0 mL glycerol. Heat with agitation to boiling to dissolve completely. Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes. Cool to 45–50 °C before dispensing.
Directions for Use
Inoculate the plate surface with 0.1 mL of diluted soil suspension or sample, spreading with a sterile bent glass rod. Incubate at 25–30 °C for 7–21 days, checking periodically for small, dry, powdery colonies typical of actinomycetes. Extended incubation is often needed given the slower growth rate of these organisms.
Quality Control Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance (powder) | Homogeneous; cream to light beige; free-flowing |
| pH (prepared, 25 °C) | 8.1 ± 0.2 |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 6.0% w/w |
| Growth — S. griseus ATCC 10137 (≤100 CFU) | Good growth; typical colonies with aerial mycelium |
| Inhibition — E. coli ATCC 25922 (≤100 CFU) | Partial to complete inhibition |
| Sterility (prepared medium) | No growth at 14 days, 30–35 °C |
Full literature references and complete QC panel available in the downloadable TDS document.
Hazard Summary
Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under the GHS / Australian WHS Regulations 2023. No signal word or pictogram is allocated. As with any fine powder, avoid generating dust and avoid eye/respiratory contact with dry product.
| Section | Summary |
|---|---|
| Classification | Not classified as hazardous |
| First aid | Standard measures — flush eyes/skin with water; fresh air if inhaled |
| Handling & storage | 15–30 °C, dry, sealed container, away from direct light |
| Transport | Not classified as dangerous goods (road, sea, air) |
Full 16-section GHS Safety Data Sheet available for download.
Representative Certificate of Analysis
| Test | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Homogeneous; cream to light beige | Conforms |
| pH (prepared) | 8.1 ± 0.2 | 8.15 |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 6.0% w/w | 4.8% w/w |
| Growth — S. griseus ATCC 10137 | Good growth | Good growth, aerial mycelium present |
| Inhibition — E. coli ATCC 25922 | Partial/complete inhibition | Complete inhibition |
| Sterility | No growth, 14 days | No growth observed |
Results specific to the lot shown on the batch-specific COA supplied with each order.
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd · ABN 56 676 640 467 · 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia · support@ausamics.com · +61 412 520 598 · www.ausamics.com.au