Dichloran-Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC)
Dichloran-Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC)
Selective Medium for Enumeration of Yeasts and Moulds
Product Identification
General Information
Product Name: Dichloran-Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC)
Catalogue Number: AS-1212
Medium Type: Selective fungal culture medium
Form: Dehydrated powder
Product Overview
Dichloran-Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) Agar is a selective solid culture medium designed for the isolation and enumeration of yeasts and moulds, particularly from food and environmental samples.
DRBC Agar is a modified Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar formulation containing dichloran, which restricts the radial growth of rapidly spreading moulds. This allows for improved colony separation and accurate colony counting in mixed fungal populations.
The slightly acidic pH (~5.6) favours fungal growth while inhibiting many bacteria. Chloramphenicol further suppresses bacterial contamination, making DRBC Agar well suited for routine food microbiology and quality control testing.
Principle of the Medium
Functional Components
Peptone: Nitrogen and growth factor source
Dextrose: Primary carbon and energy source
Rose Bengal: Partially inhibits bacterial growth and restricts fungal colony size
Dichloran: Limits excessive spreading of fast-growing moulds
Chloramphenicol: Broad-spectrum bacterial inhibition
Potassium Phosphate: Buffering system
Magnesium Sulfate: Essential ions for fungal metabolism
Applications
Food & Beverage Microbiology
Enumeration of yeasts and moulds in foods
Testing of dairy products, cereals, spices, fruits, and processed foods
Environmental & Industrial Testing
Monitoring fungal contamination in raw materials
Quality control in food production and storage environments
Key Features
Performance Advantages
Selective for yeasts and moulds
Dichloran restricts colony diameter for accurate enumeration
Rose Bengal enhances colony differentiation
Chloramphenicol suppresses bacterial interference
Clear, well-defined colony morphology
Typical Composition (per litre)
Formulation Information
Peptone
Dextrose
Rose Bengal
Dichloran
Chloramphenicol
Potassium Phosphate
Magnesium Sulfate
Agar
Final pH: 5.6 ± 0.2 at 25 °C
Preparation Guidelines
General Preparation
Suspend the required amount of dehydrated medium in 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
Storage Conditions
Dehydrated medium: Store at 15–30 °C, dry and tightly sealed
Prepared plates: Store at 2–8 °C, protected from light
Do not use if contamination, dehydration, or colour change is observed.
Intended Use & Safety
Regulatory Statement
For laboratory use only.
Not intended for medical, veterinary, or food consumption.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.