Czapek-Dox Agar

Czapek Dox Agar

Semi-Synthetic Medium for Cultivation of Fungi

Catalog Number: AS-1188

Overview

Czapek Dox Agar (also known as Czapek’s Agar or CZA) is a semi-synthetic solid culture medium designed for the cultivation and study of fungi and selected microorganisms in laboratory environments. The medium contains sodium nitrate as the sole nitrogen source and sucrose as the sole carbon source, making it particularly suitable for organisms capable of utilising inorganic nitrogen.

Originally developed by Czapek and later refined by Dox, this formulation has become a standard medium for qualitative mycological studies, especially for the cultivation and differentiation of saprophytic fungi. Its defined composition allows clear observation of colony morphology, pigmentation, and sporulation characteristics.

Ausamics Czapek Dox Agar is manufactured to ensure consistent nutrient composition, reliable buffering capacity, and reproducible performance across routine laboratory and research applications.

Key Features & Benefits

• Defined carbon and nitrogen sources for selective fungal growth

• Sodium nitrate as the sole nitrogen source

• Sucrose as the sole carbon source

• Buffered formulation for stable pH during incubation

• Supports characteristic mycelial and conidial development

• Suitable for routine and research mycology workflows

Typical Applications

Mycology

• Cultivation of saprophytic fungi

• Growth and differentiation of Aspergillus species

• Observation of colony morphology and pigmentation

Environmental & Soil Microbiology

• Cultivation of soil-associated fungi

• Qualitative studies of environmental microorganisms

Research & Teaching Laboratories

• Demonstration of defined fungal growth media

• Comparative growth studies and method development

Principle of the Medium

Czapek Dox Agar provides a chemically defined environment in which sucrose serves as the sole carbon source and sodium nitrate serves as the sole nitrogen source. Only microorganisms capable of utilising nitrate nitrogen can grow efficiently, allowing selective cultivation. The inclusion of mineral salts provides essential ions and contributes to buffering, supporting stable growth conditions.

Composition (Typical)

• Sucrose

• Sodium nitrate

• Dipotassium phosphate

• Magnesium sulfate

• Potassium chloride

• Ferrous sulfate

• Agar

(Final formulation adjusted to standard Czapek-Dox specifications.)

Preparation

• Suspend approximately 49 g of dehydrated medium in 1 L of purified water

• Heat with agitation until completely dissolved

• Sterilise by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes

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

Storage & Stability

• Dehydrated medium: Store at 15–25 °C, dry, protected from moisture

• Prepared medium: Store at 2–8 °C and prevent dehydration

Intended Use

For laboratory research and educational use only.

Not for human, animal, diagnostic, or therapeutic use.