AS-1290
Marine Broth 2216 (Zobell) | AS-1290 | Culture Media for Marine Bacteria
$95.00
AUD ex GST
Marine Microbiology · ZoBell 2216
Marine Broth 2216 (ZoBell Marine Broth)
Seawater-salt broth for the enrichment, cultivation and maintenance of heterotrophic marine bacteria from seawater, sediment, aquaculture and marine-organism samples.
Cat. No. AS-129037.4 g/LpH 7.6 ± 0.2Non-selective BrothDissolve in purified water
Key principle: the medium contains a complete seawater-like salt system, so it is prepared in purified water. Do not prepare it in seawater, as this roughly doubles the salinity.
At a Glance
FormatDehydrated powder
Use rate37.4 g/L
DiluentPurified water
Sterilisation121 °C, 15 min
Incubation20–25 °C, 2–3 days
AtmosphereAerobic
Intended Use
Marine Broth 2216 (ZoBell Marine Broth) is a non-selective medium for the enrichment, cultivation and maintenance of heterotrophic marine bacteria, including Vibrio, Aliivibrio, Photobacterium, Pseudoalteromonas, Alteromonas, Shewanella and Marinomonas, from seawater, sediment, aquaculture and marine-organism samples.
For laboratory microbiological testing, quality control and research use only. Not intended for direct use in food, human or veterinary therapeutic applications, diagnosis, or consumption.
Principle & Biochemistry
Marine Broth and Marine Agar 2216 are based on the medium described by ZoBell (1941) for heterotrophic marine bacteria. Peptone and yeast extract supply nitrogen, carbon, vitamins and growth factors. Ferric citrate supplies iron.
The salt system (sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium salts, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and trace elements including bromide, strontium, borate, silicate and fluoride) approximates the major ions of seawater. This gives the osmotic and ionic conditions that obligate and facultative marine bacteria need, so the medium is prepared in purified water, not seawater.
Formulation (g/L)
| Ingredient | g/L |
|---|---|
| Peptone | 5.0 |
| Yeast Extract | 1.0 |
| Ferric Citrate | 0.1 |
| Sodium Chloride | 19.45 |
| Magnesium Chloride | 5.9 |
| Magnesium Sulfate | 3.24 |
| Calcium Chloride | 1.8 |
| Potassium Chloride | 0.55 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 0.16 |
| Potassium Bromide | 0.08 |
| Strontium Chloride | 0.034 |
| Boric Acid | 0.022 |
| Sodium Silicate | 0.004 |
| Sodium Fluoride | 0.0024 |
| Ammonium Nitrate | 0.0016 |
| Disodium Phosphate | 0.008 |
| Total (listed components) | 37.35 |
BD Difco-type Marine Broth 2216 formulation. Use rate 37.4 g/L as published; the listed components total 37.35 g/L. Final pH 7.6 ± 0.2 at 25 °C. Formula may be adjusted and/or supplemented to meet performance criteria.
Key Applications
Marine EcologyRecovery of heterotrophic bacteria from seawater, sediment, coral and biofilm samples.
AquacultureCultivation of bacteria from fish, shellfish, larval rearing water and hatchery systems.
Vibrio & RelativesGeneral cultivation of Vibrio, Aliivibrio and Photobacterium strains.
Culture CollectionsRoutine subculture and maintenance of marine isolates.
Biomass & Molecular WorkGrowing marine strains for DNA extraction, metabolite and enzyme studies.
Teaching & ResearchMarine microbiology practicals and student research projects.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Complete seawater-like salt system in one powder
- No need to collect, age or filter natural seawater
- Widely cited formulation in marine microbiology
- Broth and agar available for a matched workflow
Considerations
- Non-selective: terrestrial and halotolerant bacteria may also grow
- A slight mineral precipitate after autoclaving is normal
- Many marine bacteria are heat-sensitive; avoid hot inoculation
- Some oligotrophs need longer incubation or low-nutrient media
Expected Results
| Organism | Growth | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Vibrio, Aliivibrio and Photobacterium spp. | Good | Turbidity, sometimes with pigment or a pellicle; some strains are bioluminescent |
| Pseudoalteromonas, Alteromonas, Shewanella | Good | Turbidity, sometimes with pigment or a pellicle |
| Slow-growing marine oligotrophs | Variable | May need 7–14 days |
Comparable Products
| Supplier | Product | Cat. No. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BD Difco | Marine Broth 2216 | 279110 | Same published formulation |
| HiMedia | Marine Broth 2216 | M385 | Comparable; MgCl₂ 8.8 g/L and sodium sulfate in place of magnesium sulfate |
Catalogue numbers are listed for user reference only. Users should verify suitability for their own method.
Related Standards (for user reference)
- ZoBell C.E. (1941): original description of medium 2216
- ATCC Medium 2: Marine Agar/Broth 2216
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I dissolve the powder in seawater?
No. The powder already contains the sea salts. Dissolve it in purified water. Using seawater roughly doubles the salinity and can inhibit many marine bacteria.
Is the precipitate after autoclaving a problem?
No. Calcium, magnesium, phosphate and bicarbonate form a slight mineral precipitate during heating. This is a known property of the medium and does not affect performance.
Is a agar version available?
Yes. AS-1289 Marine Agar 2216 (ZoBell Marine Agar) is the solid counterpart for isolation, enumeration and purification.
Why do the broth and agar salt systems differ slightly?
The published Marine Broth 2216 formula uses magnesium chloride (5.9 g/L) plus magnesium sulfate. The published Marine Agar 2216 formula uses magnesium chloride (8.8 g/L) plus sodium sulfate. Ausamics follows both published formulas.
What medium should I use for pathogenic Vibrio?
Use a selective workflow, such as Alkaline Peptone Water (AS-1105) enrichment followed by a selective Vibrio agar.
Technical Specifications
| Catalogue No. | AS-1290 |
| Product type | Dehydrated culture medium (broth) |
| Appearance (powder) | Cream to yellow, homogeneous, free-flowing powder |
| Appearance (prepared) | Light amber, clear to slightly opalescent; a slight precipitate may form |
| Use rate | 37.4 g/L in purified water |
| Final pH | 7.6 ± 0.2 at 25 °C |
| Sterilisation | Autoclave 121 °C, 15 min |
| Pack size | 500 g |
| Storage (powder) | 10–30 °C, dry, tightly closed |
| Documents | TDS, SDS; batch COA on request |
Applications
- Marine ecology and oceanography
- Aquaculture microbiology
- Culture collection maintenance
- Biomass for molecular work
- Teaching laboratories
Preparation
- Suspend 37.4 g of powder in 1 L of purified (distilled or deionised) water. Do not use seawater: the powder already contains the sea salts.
- Heat with frequent agitation and boil for 1 minute to dissolve completely.
- Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
- Cool to room temperature before inoculation.
- A slight precipitate of calcium and magnesium salts is normal and does not affect performance.
Storage & Stability
Store the dehydrated medium at 10–30 °C in a dry place, tightly closed and protected from light. The powder contains hygroscopic salts; close the container promptly after use. Use before the expiry date on the label. Use prepared medium promptly and protect it from drying and light.
Technical Data Sheet — Marine Broth 2216 (ZoBell Marine Broth)
TDS-AS-1290 · Rev 1.0 · November 20261. Product Identification
| Product name | Marine Broth 2216 (ZoBell Marine Broth) |
| Catalogue No. | AS-1290 |
| Product type | Dehydrated microbiological culture medium (broth) |
| Manufacturer | Ausamics Pty Ltd, Epping, VIC, Australia |
2. Intended Use
Non-selective enrichment, cultivation and maintenance of heterotrophic marine bacteria from seawater, sediment, aquaculture and marine-organism samples. For laboratory use only.
3. Mode of Action
A seawater-like salt system provides the osmotic and ionic conditions marine bacteria require. Peptone and yeast extract supply nutrients and growth factors, and ferric citrate supplies iron.
4. Formulation (g/L)
| Ingredient | g/L |
|---|---|
| Peptone | 5.0 |
| Yeast Extract | 1.0 |
| Ferric Citrate | 0.1 |
| Sodium Chloride | 19.45 |
| Magnesium Chloride | 5.9 |
| Magnesium Sulfate | 3.24 |
| Calcium Chloride | 1.8 |
| Potassium Chloride | 0.55 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 0.16 |
| Potassium Bromide | 0.08 |
| Strontium Chloride | 0.034 |
| Boric Acid | 0.022 |
| Sodium Silicate | 0.004 |
| Sodium Fluoride | 0.0024 |
| Ammonium Nitrate | 0.0016 |
| Disodium Phosphate | 0.008 |
| Total (listed components) | 37.35 |
BD Difco-type Marine Broth 2216 formulation. Use rate 37.4 g/L as published. Formula may be adjusted and/or supplemented to meet performance criteria.
5. Physical Specifications
| Powder appearance | Cream to yellow, homogeneous, free-flowing powder |
| Prepared medium | Light amber, clear to slightly opalescent; a slight precipitate may form |
| Final pH (25 °C) | 7.6 ± 0.2 |
6. Preparation
- Suspend 37.4 g of powder in 1 L of purified (distilled or deionised) water. Do not use seawater: the powder already contains the sea salts.
- Heat with frequent agitation and boil for 1 minute to dissolve completely.
- Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
- Cool to room temperature before inoculation.
- A slight precipitate of calcium and magnesium salts is normal and does not affect performance.
7. Quality Control (Performance)
Incubation: 20–25 °C, 48–72 h, aerobic.
| Organism | Strain | Inoculum (CFU) | Expected result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri) | ATCC 7744 | ≤100 | Good growth |
| Vibrio harveyi | ATCC 14126 | ≤100 | Good growth |
8. Storage & Shelf Life
Dehydrated medium: 10–30 °C, dry, tightly closed, protected from light. Use before the expiry date on the label. Prepared medium: use promptly; protect from drying and light.
9. Limitations
The medium is non-selective. Some marine bacteria, especially oligotrophs, need extended incubation or lower-nutrient media. Identify isolates with appropriate methods.
10. References
- ZoBell C.E. (1941). Studies on marine bacteria. I. The cultural requirements of heterotrophic aerobes. J. Mar. Res. 4:42–75.
- Lyman J., Fleming R.H. (1940). Composition of sea water. J. Mar. Res. 3:134–146.
- Weiner R.M., Segall A.M., Colwell R.R. (1985). Characterization of a marine bacterium associated with Crassostrea virginica (the eastern oyster). Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 49:83–90.
- Sizemore R.K., Stevenson L.H. (1970). Method for the isolation of proteolytic marine bacteria. Appl. Microbiol. 20:991–992.
- Becton, Dickinson and Company. Difco & BBL Manual: Manual of Microbiological Culture Media, 2nd ed. Marine Agar 2216 / Marine Broth 2216.
Safety Data Summary — Marine Broth 2216 (ZoBell Marine Broth)
SDS-AS-1290 · Rev 1.0 · November 2026 · Full 16-section SDS available on requestHazard Classification
Not classified as hazardous according to the criteria of the GHS (Rev. 7) as adopted under the Australian Work Health and Safety Regulations. No hazard pictogram or signal word is required.
Handling & Protection
- Avoid creating and breathing dust. Use with adequate ventilation.
- Wear laboratory coat, gloves and safety glasses.
- Wash hands after handling.
First Aid
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air.
- Skin: Wash with soap and water.
- Eyes: Rinse with water for several minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
Poisons Information Centre (Australia): 13 11 26 · Emergency: 000
Biosafety
This non-selective medium can support opportunistic pathogens such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. Handle inoculated media according to AS/NZS 2243.3 and institutional biosafety rules.
Storage & Disposal
Store at 10–30 °C, dry and tightly closed. Dispose of unused powder according to local regulations. Autoclave or otherwise decontaminate used media before disposal as biological waste.
Transport
Not regulated as dangerous goods for road (ADG), sea (IMDG) or air (IATA) transport.
Quality & Certificate of Analysis
AS-1290 · Batch-specific COA available on requestEach batch of Marine Broth 2216 (ZoBell Marine Broth) is manufactured in Melbourne and tested internally before release. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is available on request. Please quote the batch number printed on the label.
Release Specifications
| Test | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance (powder) | Cream to yellow, homogeneous, free-flowing powder |
| Appearance (prepared) | Light amber, clear to slightly opalescent; a slight precipitate may form |
| pH (25 °C) | 7.4 – 7.8 |
| Growth: A. fischeri ATCC 7744 | Good growth |
| Growth: V. harveyi ATCC 14126 | Good growth |