Czapek‑Dox Broth

Czapek-Dox Broth

Semi-Synthetic Liquid Medium for Cultivation of Fungi

Catalog Number: AS-1189

Overview

Czapek-Dox Broth is a semi-synthetic liquid culture medium formulated for the cultivation and study of fungi that utilise inorganic nitrogen sources. The medium contains sodium nitrate as the sole nitrogen source and sucrose as the sole carbon source, creating a defined nutritional environment that supports selective fungal growth.

This formulation is particularly suitable for saprophytic fungi, including Aspergillus and Penicillium species, as well as non-sporulating moulds. Its liquid format makes it ideal for suspension cultures, physiological studies, and metabolic investigations where solid media are not appropriate.

Originally developed by Czapek and later modified by Dox, Czapek-Dox Broth remains a widely used medium in environmental microbiology, soil ecology, and fungal physiology research.

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

• Liquid format suitable for suspension and metabolic studies

• Buffered with mineral salts to support stable pH

• Reproducible results due to defined composition

Typical Applications

Mycology

• Cultivation of saprophytic fungi

• Growth of Aspergillus and Penicillium species

• Cultivation of non-sporulating moulds

Environmental & Soil Microbiology

• Isolation and study of fungi from soil and environmental samples

• Comparative fungal growth studies

Fungal Physiology & Research

• Nutrient utilisation and metabolism studies

• Carbon and nitrogen assimilation research

• Comparative differentiation based on metabolic pathways

Principle of the Medium

Czapek-Dox Broth 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, enabling selective cultivation and differentiation. Mineral salts supply essential ions and contribute to buffering, ensuring stable growth conditions throughout incubation.

Composition (Typical, per litre)

• Sucrose: 30.0 g

• Sodium nitrate: 2.0 g

• Dipotassium phosphate: 1.0 g

• Magnesium sulfate: 0.5 g

• Potassium chloride: 0.5 g

• Ferrous sulfate: 0.01 g

Final pH at 25 °C: 7.3 ± 0.2

Physical Characteristics

• Dehydrated medium: Cream to yellow, homogeneous free-flowing powder

• Prepared broth: Light yellow solution, clear to slightly opalescent

Preparation

• Suspend approximately 34 g of dehydrated medium in 1 L of purified water

• Heat gently with agitation until fully dissolved

• Dispense into suitable containers

• Sterilise by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes

• Cool to room temperature before inoculation

Storage & Stability

• Dehydrated medium: Store at 2–25 °C, dry, in a tightly sealed container

• Prepared broth: Store below 8 °C, protected from light

Stable under recommended storage conditions. Discard if contamination or degradation is observed.

Intended Use

For laboratory research and educational use only.

Not for human, animal, medical, food, or veterinary use.

Quality & Compliance

• Manufactured under controlled conditions for batch consistency

• SDS, COA, and TDS available upon request

• Suitable for routine research, environmental, and academic laboratory use

HS / AHECC Code: 3821.00.00
Prepared culture media for development or maintenance of microorganisms