Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) | High Gel Strength Microbiology Grade AS-1001
Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar)
High-Purity Solidifying Agent for Microbiological Culture Media
Catalog Number: AS-1001 | CAS Number: 9002-18-0 | HS/AHECC Code: 1302.39
Overview
Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) is a highly refined polysaccharide polymer derived from red algae, widely used as a solidifying agent in microbiological culture media. Due to its excellent thermal properties, chemical stability, and resistance to microbial degradation, agar-agar is the preferred alternative to gelatin in laboratory applications.
Agar dissolves readily in boiling water and remains insoluble in cold water. Upon cooling, it forms a firm gel at 32–40 °C, a temperature range ideal for bacterial cultivation. Importantly, agar maintains structural integrity at incubation temperatures commonly used in microbiology (35–37 °C).
Key Features & Benefits
- High-purity bacteriological grade
- Stable gel structure at incubation temperatures
- Resistant to enzymatic degradation by most microorganisms
- Chemically inert and free from growth-inhibiting impurities
- Suitable for a wide range of microbiological applications
Typical Applications
- Solidification of bacterial and fungal culture media
- Preparation of nutrient agar, selective and differential media
- Motility testing and soft-agar assays
- Cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms
- Research, teaching, and quality-control laboratories
Principle of Use
Agar-agar forms a thermoreversible gel, allowing media to be poured at high temperature and solidified at room temperature. Its resistance to microbial enzymes ensures that the solid matrix remains intact throughout incubation, providing consistent colony morphology and reliable experimental results.
Agar-Agar Concentration Guidelines
| Application | Concentration (w/v) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Standard solid media | 1.0–1.5% | Ensures firm and stable solidification |
| Motility assays | ~0.5% | Allows bacterial movement through the gel |
| Anaerobic / delicate organisms | ~0.1% | Reduces physical restriction for sensitive bacteria |
| Low-pH media (pH < 5) | ≥2.0% | Higher concentration compensates for reduced gel strength |
Solubility & Stability
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in boiling water; insoluble in cold water |
| Gelation temperature | 32–40 °C |
| Thermal stability | Remains solid at standard incubation temperatures (35–37 °C) |
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store below 30 °C in a tightly sealed container
- Protect from heat, humidity, and moisture
- Shelf life: up to 5 years from date of manufacture under recommended conditions
Intended Use
For laboratory and research use only. Not for food, pharmaceutical, or veterinary applications unless otherwise specified.
Technical Overview & Biochemistry
Agar is a heterogeneous polysaccharide complex extracted from the cell walls of red seaweeds (Rhodophyta), primarily composed of agarose and agaropectin. Agarose, a linear polymer of alternating D-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-L-galactopyranose units, is responsible for the gel-forming properties exploited in microbiology. Unlike protein-based gelling agents (e.g. gelatin), agar is not metabolised by the vast majority of bacteria, which preserves the integrity of the solid medium throughout extended incubation periods and supports reproducible colony morphology, isolation streaking, and enumeration.
Cross-Reference / Equivalent Products
| Brand | Equivalent Product | Catalogue Number |
|---|---|---|
| Oxoid | Bacteriological Agar No. 1 | LP0011 |
| BD Difco | Bacto Agar | 214010 |
| Merck | Agar-Agar, for microbiology | 1.01614 |
Competitor Cross-Reference Table
| Supplier | Product Name | Catalogue No. | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| AuSaMicS | Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) | AS-1001 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Oxoid (Thermo Fisher) | Bacteriological Agar No. 1 | LP0011 | Imported |
| BD Difco | Bacto Agar | 214010 | Imported |
| Merck | Agar-Agar, for microbiology | 1.01614 | Imported |
| Thermo Fisher | Agar Bacteriological (Agar No.1) | LP0011B | Imported |
Marketing / Display Titles
- Bacteriological Agar (Agar-Agar) – High-Purity Solidifying Agent | Made in Melbourne
- Agar-Agar AS-1001 – Premium Microbiological Grade Gelling Agent, CAS 9002-18-0
- Australian-Made Bacteriological Agar for Culture Media Preparation
Intent-Based Long-Tail Search Queries
- buy bacteriological agar Australia
- agar-agar CAS 9002-18-0 supplier Melbourne
- agar for nutrient agar preparation lab grade
- local alternative to Oxoid LP0011 Bacto Agar Australia
- agar concentration for motility test media
- solidifying agent for microbiological media bulk 1kg
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
The full Technical Data Sheet for Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar), AS-1001, includes physicochemical specifications, gel strength data, quality control parameters, mode of action, and literature references in line with AuSaMicS documentation standards.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white to pale yellow, fibrous or powdered |
| CAS Number | 9002-18-0 |
| Gel Strength | Suitable for standard microbiological media (≥600 g/cm² typical) |
| Gelation Temperature | 32–40 °C |
| Melting Temperature | ≥85 °C |
| Moisture Content | ≤15% |
| pH (1.5% solution) | 5.0–7.5 |
Full TDS document (PD/TDS/SDS/COA set, AuSaMicS standard format) available as a downloadable PDF.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The Safety Data Sheet for Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar), AS-1001 (CAS 9002-18-0), is prepared in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and Australian WHS regulations, covering all 16 standard sections including hazard identification, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, and disposal considerations.
| Section | Summary |
|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar), AS-1001, AuSaMicS Pty Ltd |
| 2. Hazard Identification | Not classified as hazardous; not a dangerous good |
| 7. Handling & Storage | Store below 30 °C, sealed, away from moisture |
| 8. Exposure Controls / PPE | Standard laboratory PPE recommended (gloves, lab coat, eye protection) |
Full 16-section SDS available as a downloadable PDF.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Each batch of Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar), AS-1001, is supplied with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis confirming compliance with AuSaMicS quality specifications, including appearance, gel strength, gelation temperature, pH, and moisture content.
| Test | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white to pale yellow | Conforms |
| pH (1.5% solution) | 5.0–7.5 | Within specification |
| Moisture Content | ≤15% | Within specification |
| Gelation Temperature | 32–40 °C | Within specification |
Batch-specific COA issued at time of dispatch and available as a downloadable PDF.
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd | 31 Longview CT, Thomastown, VIC 3074, Australia | ABN: 56 676 640 467 | www.ausamics.com.au | support@ausamics.com | Phone: +61 412 520 598. All products are manufactured under quality-controlled conditions. Specifications are subject to change without notice. For laboratory and research use only.