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Bacteriological Agar (Agar-Agar) | AS-1001
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Documentation
AuSaMicS Life Science · Bacteriological Grade
Agar-Agar — Bacteriological Agar
High-Purity Solidifying Agent for Microbiological Culture Media
Refined polysaccharide gelling agent from red algae. Thermoreversible gel, stable at incubation temperatures, resistant to microbial enzymatic degradation.
AS-1001 CAS 9002-18-0 ✓ Not Classified as Hazardous Gel Strength ≥600 g/cm² Gels 32–40°C 🇦🇺 Melbourne Stock ⚡ Same-Week Dispatch
Gel Strength
≥600
g/cm², typical
Gelation Temp
32–40°C
thermoreversible
Melting Point
≥85°C
gel remains stable to 37°C
Moisture
≤15%
loss on drying
📄 Full DocumentationCOA · TDS · SDS every batch
🇦🇺 Local Australian StockNo import lead times
⚡ Same-Week DispatchMelbourne warehouse
🔬 Technical SupportFrom our science team
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. Critically, the gel maintains structural integrity at incubation temperatures commonly used in microbiology (35–37°C), so colonies and streak patterns hold their form throughout extended culture periods.
Key Features & Benefits
Bacteriological Grade
High-purity, laboratory-tested
Stable at Incubation Temp
Firm gel structure at 35–37°C
Enzyme Resistant
Not metabolised by most microorganisms
Chemically Inert
Free from growth-inhibiting impurities
Principle of Use
Agar-agar forms a thermoreversible gel, allowing media to be poured hot and solidified at room temperature. Its resistance to microbial enzymes ensures the solid matrix remains intact throughout incubation, providing consistent colony morphology and reliable, reproducible experimental results.
Concentration Guidelines
1.0–1.5%
Standard media
Ensures firm, stable solidification
~0.5%
Motility assays
Allows bacterial movement through the gel
~0.1%
Anaerobic / delicate organisms
Reduces physical restriction for sensitive bacteria
≥2.0%
Low-pH media (pH <5)
Compensates for acid-hydrolysis-reduced gel strength
Typical Applications
Nutrient & Selective Media
Solidification of general and differential agars
Motility Testing
Soft-agar assays for bacterial motility
Anaerobic Cultivation
Low-concentration media for sensitive organisms
QC & Teaching Labs
Research, teaching, and quality-control use
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 such as gelatin, agar is not metabolised by the vast majority of bacteria, which preserves the integrity of the solid medium throughout extended incubation and supports reproducible colony morphology, isolation streaking, and enumeration.
Solubility & Stability
| 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) |
Cross-Reference / Equivalent Products
| Brand | Product Name | Catalogue No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxoid (Thermo Fisher) | Bacteriological Agar No. 1 | LP0011 | Imported; longer lead time |
| BD Difco | Bacto Agar | 214010 | Imported; industry reference standard |
| Merck | Agar-Agar, for microbiology | 1.01614 | Imported |
| Thermo Fisher | Agar Bacteriological (Agar No.1) | LP0011B | Imported |
| AuSaMicS | Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) | AS-1001 | Melbourne stock · same-week dispatch · COA included |
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. HS/AHECC Code: 1302.39.
Intent-Based Search Queries
bacteriological agar australia agar-agar CAS 9002-18-0 Melbourne Oxoid LP0011 alternative Australia BD Bacto Agar equivalent Australia agar concentration motility media culture media solidifying agent bulk agar-agar same week dispatch Melbourne
Related Products
Product Identification
| Product Name | Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) |
| Catalogue Number | AS-1001 |
| CAS Number | 9002-18-0 |
| HS / AHECC Code | 1302.39 |
| Grade | Bacteriological / Laboratory grade |
| Source | Red seaweed (Rhodophyta); agarose + agaropectin complex |
| Manufacturer | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia |
Physicochemical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Gel Strength (1.5%, typical) | ≥ 600 g/cm² | Texture analyser / gel penetrometer |
| Gelation Temperature | 32 – 40°C | Cooling curve method |
| Melting Temperature | ≥ 85°C | Drop point method |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 15% | Gravimetric, 105°C |
| pH (1.5% solution, 25°C) | 5.0 – 7.5 | Potentiometric |
| Appearance | Off-white to pale yellow, fibrous or powdered | Visual |
| Ash Content | ≤ 6.5% | Gravimetric (525°C) |
| Insoluble Matter | ≤ 1.0% | Filtration/gravimetric |
Mode of Action
On cooling below ~40°C, agarose chains form double-helical bundles that bundle further into a hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional network — the setting gel. Because the vast majority of bacteria lack agarases, the matrix resists enzymatic breakdown throughout incubation, holding its shape at 35–37°C while remaining permeable enough for nutrient diffusion and colony development.
Culture Media Preparation Protocol
1
Weigh the required mass of AS-1001 agar for your target concentration (typically 10–15 g per litre for 1.0–1.5% standard solid media).
2
Disperse in the nutrient broth or diluent and bring to the boil with stirring until fully dissolved — the solution should be clear with no visible particles.
3
Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes (standard cycle), or per your validated sterilisation protocol for the specific medium formulation.
4
Cool to approximately 45–50°C before adding heat-labile supplements (antibiotics, blood, enzymes) and pouring plates.
5
Allow to set at room temperature. Once solidified, store poured plates inverted at 2–8°C to reduce condensation.
💡 Pro tip: For low-pH media (pH <5, e.g. some fungal or acid-tolerant selective media), increase agar concentration toward 2.0% to compensate — prolonged autoclaving at low pH partially hydrolyses agar and weakens gel strength.
Literature References
| # | Reference |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sambrook J, Russell DW. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 3rd ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 2001. [Culture media preparation practice] |
| 2 | Hesse W. On the history of bacterial culture media. Reprinted commentary, ASM News. 1992. [Historical adoption of agar in microbiology, originating with Fannie Hesse] |
| 3 | Bonner J. Gelling agents for microbiological media: agar and its alternatives. J Appl Microbiol. Review article. |
| 4 | ISO 11133:2014. Culture media — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing. Geneva: ISO; 2014. |
📄 Full 16-section GHS SDS available (Australian WHS Regulations 2023 / GHS 7th Edition). Request via support@ausamics.com.au or download below.
Section 1 — Identification
| Product Name | Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) |
| Catalogue No. | AS-1001 |
| CAS Number | 9002-18-0 |
| Supplier | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd | ABN 56 676 640 467 |
| Address | 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia |
| Phone / Email | +61 412 520 598 | support@ausamics.com.au |
| Emergency | Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (Australia, 24 hr) |
| Intended Use | Solidifying/gelling agent for microbiological culture media. For laboratory and research use only. |
Section 2 — Hazard Identification
| GHS Classification | NOT classified as hazardous under Australian WHS Regulations 2023 (GHS 7th Edition). Agar is a naturally occurring, low-hazard polysaccharide. |
| Signal Word | None required |
| Hazard Pictograms | None applicable |
| Other Hazards | Dust may cause mild mechanical/respiratory irritation in unventilated spaces. Hot dissolved agar (near boiling) presents a burn hazard from hot liquid — handle with appropriate thermal protection. |
Composition
| Component | CAS | Content | GHS Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agar (agarose + agaropectin complex) | 9002-18-0 | >80% | Not classified as hazardous |
| Moisture | 7732-18-5 | ≤15% | Not hazardous |
| Mineral ash (trace) | — | ≤6.5% | Not classified as hazardous |
First Aid, PPE, Handling & Disposal
| Route / Scenario | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Inhalation (powder) | Move to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin contact | Wash with soap and water. For hot agar burns: cool with running water for 20 min; seek medical attention if significant burn. |
| Eye contact | Flush with copious water for 15 min. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Agar is a natural polysaccharide with low acute toxicity. Rinse mouth; drink water. Seek medical advice if large quantity ingested. |
| Gloves | Standard laboratory gloves; insulated/heat-resistant gloves when handling molten agar. |
| Eye protection | Safety spectacles when handling powder or hot liquid agar. |
| Respiratory | P1 dust mask if handling bulk powder in an unventilated space. |
| Hot agar handling | Allow to cool to ~45–50°C before pouring; use insulated gloves when handling freshly autoclaved bottles. |
| Disposal — uninoculated media | Allow to solidify; dispose as non-hazardous solid waste per local EPA regulations. |
| Disposal — inoculated media | Autoclave (121°C, 15 min minimum) prior to disposal, per institutional biosafety procedures. |
| Transport | Not classified as dangerous goods — ADG, IATA, IMDG. No UN Number applicable. |
Regulatory Information
| Australian Standard | Australian WHS Regulations 2023 / GHS 7th Edition |
| AICIS Status | Compliant |
| HS / AHECC Code | 1302.39 — Vegetable saps and extracts; mucilages and thickeners |
| SDS Reference | SDS-AS-1001-AGA | Issue Date: January 2026 | Review: January 2028 |
| Prepared by | Hassan Salimi, Founder & Technical Director, AuSaMicS Pty Ltd |
Certificate of Analysis — AS-1001
Each batch of Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar) (AS-1001) is produced under quality-controlled conditions and released with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis confirming compliance with all physicochemical and performance specifications.
Analytical Results — Typical Specifications
| Test Parameter | Specification | Method | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Strength (1.5%, typical) | ≥ 600 g/cm² | Texture analyser | Conforms |
| Gelation Temperature | 32 – 40°C | Cooling curve | Conforms |
| Melting Temperature | ≥ 85°C | Drop point method | Conforms |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 15% | Gravimetric | Conforms |
| pH (1.5% solution, 25°C) | 5.0 – 7.5 | Potentiometric | Conforms |
| Appearance | Off-white to pale yellow | Visual | Conforms |
| Ash Content | ≤ 6.5% | Gravimetric (525°C) | Conforms |
| Media performance (growth support) | Supports typical growth of QC reference organisms (e.g. E. coli, S. aureus) when formulated into nutrient agar | Growth-promotion test, ISO 11133 | Conforms |
Batch Traceability
📋 Batch Details (printed on label and supplied COA)
Product
Agar-Agar (Bacteriological Agar)
Catalogue No.
AS-1001
CAS Number
9002-18-0
Grade
Bacteriological
Batch Number
Stated on label
Manufacturing Date
Stated on label
Expiry Date
Stated on label (up to 5 yr)
Storage
Below 30°C, dry, sealed
Manufacturer
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd — Melbourne, Australia
COA
Included with every order
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why does agar solidify but stay solid at 37°C?
Agar gels on cooling below ~40°C through hydrogen-bonded helical bundling of agarose chains, but it doesn't re-melt until ~85°C — a much wider hysteresis gap than gelatin. That's exactly why it stays firm through incubation at 35–37°C while pouring is still easy at 45–50°C.
❓ Which concentration should I use for my application?
1.0–1.5% for standard solid media; ~0.5% for motility assays; ~0.1% for anaerobic or delicate organisms; ≥2.0% for low-pH media (pH <5) to compensate for acid hydrolysis during autoclaving.
❓ Is AS-1001 equivalent to Oxoid LP0011 or BD Bacto Agar?
Yes — AS-1001 meets the same bacteriological grade specification: gel strength ≥600 g/cm², gelation 32–40°C, melting ≥85°C, moisture ≤15%. Manufactured and packed in Melbourne with same-week dispatch and a full COA with every batch.
❓ Why is my poured medium soft or slow to set?
(1) Agar concentration too low for the application. (2) Medium poured before it cooled enough to nucleate gelation, or poured too cool and partially set in the flask. (3) Repeated re-melting/re-autoclaving has hydrolysed the agar, weakening gel strength. (4) Low medium pH without a compensating increase in agar concentration.
Packaging Options
| Standard Pack Sizes | 100 g · 250 g · 500 g · 1 kg · 5 kg |
| Bulk / Custom | Larger quantities available — contact support@ausamics.com.au |
| Packaging | HDPE container or heat-sealed foil-lined bag; full label with batch no., expiry, storage conditions |
Manufactured by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd
31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia | ABN 56 676 640 467
✓ Gel strength ≥600 g/cm² — reliable, consistent media performance
✓ Not classified as hazardous — standard laboratory handling
✓ ISO 11133:2014 compliant quality management
✓ Batch COA, TDS, and SDS with every order
✓ Australian stock — same-week dispatch, no import wait
31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia | ABN 56 676 640 467
✓ Gel strength ≥600 g/cm² — reliable, consistent media performance
✓ Not classified as hazardous — standard laboratory handling
✓ ISO 11133:2014 compliant quality management
✓ Batch COA, TDS, and SDS with every order
✓ Australian stock — same-week dispatch, no import wait
⚠️ For laboratory and research use only. Not for food, pharmaceutical, or veterinary applications unless otherwise specified. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd accepts no liability for use outside the intended application.