Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar)

Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar)

$25.00
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Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar)

High-Purity Solidifying Agent for Microbiological Culture Media

Catalog Number: AS-1001
CAS Number: 9002-18-0

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

  • Standard solid media: 1.0–1.5% (w/v)
    Ensures firm and stable solidification

  • Motility assays: ~0.5% (w/v)
    Allows bacterial movement through the gel

  • Anaerobic or delicate organisms: ~0.1% (w/v)
    Reduces physical restriction for sensitive bacteria

  • Low-pH media (pH < 5): ≥2.0% (w/v)
    Higher concentration compensates for reduced gel strength

Solubility & Stability

  • Solubility: Soluble in boiling water; insoluble in cold water

  • Gelation temperature: 32–40 °C

  • Thermal stability: Remains solid at standard incubation temperatures

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.

Quality & Documentation

  • Consistent bacteriological-grade quality

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) available

  • SDS available upon request

Customs & Trade Information

HS / AHECC Code: 1302.39
Agar and vegetable mucilages

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