Bifidobacterium Agar

Bifidobacterium Agar

Selective Solid Medium for Cultivation of Bifidobacterium Species

Catalog Number: AS-1138

Overview

Bifidobacterium Agar is a specialised solid culture medium formulated for the cultivation, isolation, and maintenance of Bifidobacterium species, which are obligate anaerobic bacteria commonly associated with the intestinal microbiota.

The medium combines a nutrient-rich peptone base with reducing agents to create a low oxidation–reduction potential, supporting optimal growth of anaerobic bifidobacteria. It is widely used in gut microbiota research, probiotic development, and food microbiology, as well as in teaching and research laboratories focused on anaerobic organisms.

Key Features & Benefits

• Optimised for anaerobic growth of Bifidobacterium spp.

• Contains reducing agents to maintain low redox potential

• Nutrient-rich formulation for reliable colony development

• Clear, firm agar surface for easy colony observation

• Suitable for research, quality control, and educational use

Typical Applications

Probiotic & Food Microbiology

• Cultivation and maintenance of Bifidobacterium spp. in probiotic products

• Quality control of fermented foods and dietary supplements

Gut Microbiota Research

• Studies of intestinal microbiota in clinical and veterinary research

• Isolation and maintenance of bifidobacterial strains

Teaching & Research Laboratories

• Demonstration of anaerobic bacterial cultivation

• Routine subculture and maintenance of stock cultures

Principle of the Medium

Bifidobacterium Agar provides essential nutrients and a reduced environment required for anaerobic growth:

• Special peptone supplies amino acids, peptides, and nitrogen

• Glucose serves as the primary fermentable energy source

• Soluble starch acts as a protective colloid, neutralising toxic metabolites

• L-Cysteine hydrochloride reduces the oxidation–reduction potential, creating conditions favourable for anaerobes

• Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance

• Agar solidifies the medium, enabling clear observation of colonies

Composition (Typical – per litre)

• Special peptone: 23.0 g

• Sodium chloride: 5.0 g

• Glucose: 5.0 g

• Soluble starch: 1.0 g

• L-Cysteine hydrochloride: 0.3 g

• Agar: 15.0 g

Final pH at 25 °C: 6.8 ± 0.2

Preparation (Typical)

• Suspend 49.3 g of dehydrated medium in 1 L distilled or purified water

• Mix thoroughly and heat to boiling until completely dissolved

• Dispense into suitable containers

• Sterilise by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes

• Cool to 45–50 °C, mix gently, and pour into sterile Petri dishes

Incubation

• Incubate under anaerobic conditions

• Typical temperature: 35–37 °C

• Incubation time: 48–72 hours, depending on strain and application

Storage & Stability

Dehydrated medium

• Store below 30 °C in a tightly closed, dry container

Prepared plates

• Store at 2–8 °C

• Use before the stated expiry date

Intended Use

For laboratory research, food microbiology, probiotic quality control, and educational use only.

Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use.

Quality & Documentation

• Manufactured under controlled conditions for batch consistency

• Suitable for anaerobic microbiology applications

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) available

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available upon request