Skip to product information
AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)
  • AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)
  • AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)
  • AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)
  • AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)
AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)

AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)

$45.00
Weight

AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar)

Selective Medium for Isolation of Actinomycetes from Environmental Samples

Catalog Number: AS-1102

Overview

AC Agar (Actinomycete Isolation Agar) is a selective solid culture medium formulated for the isolation and cultivation of actinomycetes, particularly Streptomyces species, from soil, water, and other environmental samples.

The medium suppresses fast-growing bacteria and fungi while promoting typical colony morphology, pigmentation, and sporulation of actinomycetes. Selectivity is achieved through the combined effects of sodium propionate, alkaline pH, and antifungal agents, enabling high recovery rates without compromising actinomycete growth.

AC Agar is widely used in environmental microbiology, actinomycete ecology, and antibiotic discovery programs.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Highly selective for actinomycetes

  • Suppresses Gram-negative bacteria, many Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi

  • Promotes sporulation and characteristic pigmentation

  • Ideal for antibiotic-producing Streptomyces screening

  • Proven medium in actinomycete discovery and taxonomy

Typical Applications

Environmental & Soil Microbiology

  • Isolation of Streptomyces and related genera from soil and natural substrates

  • Recovery of actinomycetes from water and sediment samples

Antibiotic Discovery & Research

  • Screening for antibiotic-producing actinomycetes

  • Primary isolation in natural-product discovery programs

Taxonomy & Ecology

  • Ecological studies of actinobacteria

  • Enrichment of rare genera such as:

    • Nocardia

    • Actinomadura

    • Micromonospora

Principle of the Medium

AC Agar uses sodium caseinate and L-asparagine as selective nitrogen sources, favouring actinomycetes over fast-growing bacteria. Sodium propionate and an alkaline pH inhibit many competing microorganisms, while antifungal agents further suppress mould growth. This formulation allows slow-growing actinomycetes to develop distinct colonies with characteristic morphology and pigmentation.

Composition (per litre)

  • Sodium Caseinate – 2.0 g

  • L-Asparagine – 0.1 g

  • Sodium Propionate – 4.0 g

  • Dipotassium Phosphate – 0.5 g

  • Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) – 0.1 g

  • Ferrous Sulfate (FeSO₄·7H₂O) – 0.001 g

  • Agar – 15.0 g

Final pH: 8.1 ± 0.2 at 25 °C

Supplements (not included)

  • Glycerol – 5.0 g

  • Cycloheximide (Actidione) – 50 mg (filter-sterilised)

  • Nystatin (optional alternative) – 50 mg (filter-sterilised)

Preparation

  1. Suspend 26.7 g of dehydrated medium in 1 L distilled or deionised water

  2. Adjust pH to 8.1 with 1 N NaOH if required

  3. Heat gently and boil until completely dissolved

  4. Sterilise by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes

  5. Cool to 50–55 °C

  6. Aseptically add filter-sterilised antibiotic solutions

  7. Mix thoroughly and pour into sterile Petri dishes

Incubation

  • Temperature: 25–30 °C

  • Duration: 7–21 days

  • Extended incubation may be required for slow-growing actinomycetes

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Dehydrated medium: Store below 30 °C, protected from moisture and light

  • Prepared plates: Store at 2–8 °C in sealed bags; use within 4 weeks

Intended Use

For laboratory and research use only.
Not for diagnostic, medical, food, or veterinary applications.

Quality & Documentation

  • Manufactured under controlled conditions for batch consistency

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) available

  • SDS available upon request

Customs & Trade Information

HS / AHECC Code: 3821.00.00
Prepared culture media for development or maintenance of microorganisms

CUSTOMERS ALSO BOUGHT