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TSC Agar (Tryptose Sulfite Cycloserine) Clostridium Perfringens Detection (AS-1372)
$39.00 AUD
AuSaMicS Life Science • Selective Differential Agar for Clostridium perfringens
TSC Agar (Tryptose Sulfite Cycloserine Agar)
TSC Agar is a highly selective differential medium for isolation and enumeration of Clostridium perfringens in food and related samples. The base contains tryptose, soytone, yeast extract, ferric ammonium citrate, and sodium metabisulfite; D-cycloserine is added as a selective supplement, and egg yolk is commonly added for lecithinase demonstration.
Cat No.: AS-1372
Clostridium AgarTSC AgarAustralian Stock
Format: Dehydrated agar base with supplements Support: COA / technical support available
Application Summary
Professional laboratory use
Reliable workflow integration
Australian stock
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Overview & Applications
TSC Agar is a highly selective differential medium for isolation and enumeration of Clostridium perfringens in food and related samples. The base contains tryptose, soytone, yeast extract, ferric ammonium citrate, and sodium metabisulfite; D-cycloserine is added as a selective supplement, and egg yolk is commonly added for lecithinase demonstration.
Primary Applications
- Isolation and enumeration of Clostridium perfringens
- Food microbiology and food poisoning investigations
- Routine Clostridium QC workflows
- Differential recognition of sulfite-reducing colonies
Key Features
- Cycloserine-enhanced selectivity
- Sulfite reduction system supports black colony development
- Optional egg yolk supports lecithinase reactions
- Widely used for C. perfringens detection
Typical Composition / Product Characteristics
| Component / Attribute | Amount / Value | Function | Practical Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tryptose | 15 g/L | Nutrient source | Supports growth of target anaerobes |
| Yeast extract | 5 g/L | Growth factors | Provides vitamins and nutrients |
| Soytone | 5 g/L | Nitrogen source | Improves recovery |
| Ferric ammonium citrate | 1 g/L | Indicator system | Works with sulfite reduction to darken colonies |
| Sodium metabisulfite | 1 g/L | Sulfite source | Supports sulfite-reduction reaction |
| Agar | 20 g/L | Solidifying agent | Forms plate medium |
| D-cycloserine | Added as supplement | Selective agent | Suppresses competing flora |
| Egg yolk emulsion | Optional supplement | Lecithinase indicator | Aids presumptive recognition |
| Final pH | 7.6 ± 0.2 | Optimized base pH | Supports intended selectivity |
Preparation, Incubation & Interpretation
Preparation
Prepare the agar base and autoclave according to the validated SOP. Cool to about 50°C, then add sterile-filtered D-cycloserine supplement; add egg yolk emulsion where required. Mix gently and pour plates.
Incubation / Use
Incubate plates under anaerobic conditions according to the method in use, commonly around 35–37°C for 18–24 hours.
Interpretation
Typical C. perfringens colonies are black or dark due to sulfite reduction; with egg yolk, lecithinase activity may be observed as an opaque zone. Suspect colonies should be confirmed by additional tests.
Comparative Media / Workflow Position
| Medium / Product | Primary Target | Principle | Typical Use | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSC Agar | Clostridium perfringens | Selective sulfite/cycloserine agar | Food Clostridium counts | Strong selectivity with black colony readout |
| SFP Agar | Sulfite-reducing clostridia | Selective differential agar | Clostridial recovery | Classical alternative |
| SPS Agar | Anaerobes / Clostridia | Selective medium | Anaerobic bacteriology | Useful in related workflows |
| Reinforced Clostridial Medium | Clostridia | Enrichment / cultivation medium | Recovery and propagation | Nutrient-rich anaerobic support |
Recommended Workflow
1. Prepare supplemented plates
Add cycloserine and egg yolk to cooled sterile base as required.
Add cycloserine and egg yolk to cooled sterile base as required.
2. Inoculate sample
Use pour-plate or surface-inoculation method.
Use pour-plate or surface-inoculation method.
3. Incubate anaerobically
Maintain suitable anaerobic conditions and time.
Maintain suitable anaerobic conditions and time.
4. Confirm suspect colonies
Use lecithinase reaction and downstream confirmatory tests.
Use lecithinase reaction and downstream confirmatory tests.
Strategic Use
Advantages
- Widely used for C. perfringens recovery
- Good differential performance through sulfite reduction
- Can incorporate egg yolk for added presumptive value
Considerations
- Requires anaerobic incubation
- Final preparation includes supplements added after sterilization
- Suspect colonies still require confirmation
Selection Guide
- Choose for food-related C. perfringens detection and enumeration
- Useful in routine anaerobic QC workflows
- Appropriate when selective differential recovery is required