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YM Agar (Yeast & Mold) | Standard Medium for Brewing & Beverage Industry | Ausamics
$19.00 AUD
Dehydrated Culture Medium · Fungal Microbiology · Wickerham’s Formulation
Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, YMA)
General-Purpose Medium for Cultivation & Enumeration of Yeasts and Moulds
ISO 21527-1/2 Compatible
Ph. Eur. 2.6.12
FDA-BAM Ch. 18
Food · Pharma · Cosmetics QC
Wickerham’s Formulation
AuSaMicS
Life Science™
Cat No.
AS-1382
Format
Dehydrated Powder
Final pH
6.2 ± 0.2
Suspension
41.0 g / L
Incubation
22–37 °C / 2–5 d
Overview
Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, YMA) is a nutrient-rich solid culture medium formulated for the cultivation and enumeration of yeasts, moulds, and acid-tolerant microorganisms. Based on Wickerham’s classic formulation, YM Agar provides a balanced combination of peptone, yeast extract, malt extract, and dextrose — supplying nitrogen, amino acids, B vitamins, growth factors, and a readily fermentable carbohydrate source that supports robust fungal growth across a broad taxonomic range.
The slightly acidic pH (6.2 ± 0.2) naturally favours fungal proliferation while limiting many non-acid-tolerant bacteria. Where complete bacterial suppression is required, the medium is compatible with acidification (tartaric or citric acid to pH ~3.5) or the addition of selective antibiotics (chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline). YM Agar is widely used in food microbiology, environmental monitoring, cosmetic and pharmaceutical QC, and mycological research.
Functional Components
| Peptone | Primary nitrogen source — amino acids and peptides for cell growth |
| Yeast Extract | B vitamins, growth factors, and trace elements that stimulate fungal metabolism |
| Malt Extract | Rich carbon source (maltose, dextrins, minerals) that specifically enhances yeast and mould growth |
| Dextrose (Glucose) | Primary fermentable carbohydrate — rapidly metabolised for energy and biosynthesis |
| Agar | Gelling agent — transparent solid surface for colony development and counting |
| pH 6.2 ± 0.2 | Slightly acidic — favours fungal growth; limits many non-acid-tolerant bacteria |
Applications
Food & Beverage
Isolation and enumeration of yeasts and moulds in food, beverage, and ingredient samples. ISO 21527-1/2 compatible. Acidify to pH 3.5 for selective use.
Environmental & Pharma QC
Environmental monitoring in pharmaceutical and cosmetic production areas. Cleanroom and air sampling. GMP/QC applications.
Research & Mycology
Fungal ecology, taxonomy, strain maintenance, and culture collection. Suitable for Aspergillus, Candida, Saccharomyces, Penicillium, and more.
Target Organisms
| Organism Type | Representative Genera / Species | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Yeasts | Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Rhodotorula, Torulaspora, Yarrowia lipolytica | Food QC, pharmaceutical QC, research |
| Aspergillus spp. | A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. oryzae, A. brasiliensis | Environmental monitoring, food safety, mycology |
| Penicillium spp. | P. chrysogenum, P. digitatum, P. expansum | Food spoilage, environmental monitoring |
| Other moulds | Cladosporium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus spp. | Environmental and food microbiology |
Incubation Conditions
Moulds & Environmental
22–25 °C
3–5 days (up to 7 days for slow growers)
Examine every 24–48 h from day 3
Examine every 24–48 h from day 3
Food Yeasts & Candida
30–37 °C
2–5 days
Examine at 48 h and 5 days
Examine at 48 h and 5 days
Count all colonies and record morphology (colour, texture, surface). Report as CFU/g or CFU/mL. Maintain adequate humidity to prevent agar desiccation — seal plates or use moist incubation chamber.
Selective Enhancement Options
| Tartaric acid (sterile 10%) | Adjust to pH ~3.5 after cooling — broad bacterial inhibition; most common selective approach |
| Chloramphenicol | 0.05 g/L (50 mg/L) — suppresses most bacteria without affecting fungi |
| Oxytetracycline | 0.1 g/L (100 mg/L) — alternative broad-spectrum antibacterial for fungi isolation |
Storage & Shelf Life
| Dehydrated Medium | 15–30 °C, dry place, tightly closed, protected from light and humidity |
| Prepared Plates | 2–8 °C, sealed in plastic bag, protected from light — use within 2 weeks of preparation |
| Do Not Use If | Powder shows caking, colour change, or unusual odour; prepared plates show contamination, drying, or discolouration |
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) · For laboratory use only. Not intended for medical, food, or veterinary consumption. · 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia · support@ausamics.com · +61 412 520 598 · www.ausamics.com.au
Product Identification
| Product Name | YM Agar (Yeast Mold Agar) |
| Synonyms | YMA; Yeast-Malt Extract Agar; Wickerham’s YM Agar |
| Cat No. | AS-1382 |
| Lot No. | YMA260301 |
| Mfg. Date | March 2026 |
| Retest Date | March 2028 |
| Grade | Microbiological Grade |
Physical Properties
| Appearance (powder) | Homogeneous; pale cream to beige |
| Appearance (prepared) | Clear to slightly opalescent amber gel |
| Odour | Faint, characteristic (malt/yeast) |
| pH (prepared, 25 °C) | 6.2 ± 0.2 |
| Agar gel / melt | Gels ~32–34 °C / Melts ~84–86 °C |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 7.0% w/w |
| Suspension | 41.0 g / L |
Composition per Litre
| Component | Function | Amount (g/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Peptone | Nitrogen, amino acids — primary nutrient source | 5.0 |
| Yeast Extract | B vitamins, growth factors, trace elements | 3.0 |
| Malt Extract | Carbon source (maltose, dextrins) — enhances yeast & mould growth | 3.0 |
| Dextrose (Glucose) | Primary fermentable carbohydrate | 10.0 |
| Agar | Solidifying agent | 20.0 |
| TOTAL | 41.0 g/L |
Preparation Protocol
- 1Suspend 41.0 g of dehydrated YM Agar in 1 L of purified/distilled water.
- 2Heat with frequent agitation until completely dissolved. Bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- 3Autoclave at 121 °C (15 psi) for 15 minutes. Do not over-autoclave.
- 4Cool to 45–50 °C in a water bath.
- 5Optional: Add chloramphenicol (0.05 g/L) or sterile tartaric acid to pH 3.5 aseptically for selective inhibition of bacteria.
- 6Pour 15–20 mL per 90 mm Petri dish under laminar flow. Allow to solidify on a level surface.
- 7Dry plates at 37 °C for 20–30 min. Store at 2–8 °C in sealed bags. Use within 2 weeks.
Quality Control Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance (powder) | Homogeneous; cream to beige; no lumps | Visual inspection |
| pH (prepared, 25 °C) | 6.0 – 6.4 | Potentiometry (ISO 10523) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 7.0% w/w | 105 °C / 2 h (gravimetric) |
| Growth — S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 | Good growth; typical yeast morphology ≤ 3 days (30 °C) | Growth promotion test |
| Growth — A. brasiliensis ATCC 16404 | Good growth; sporulation within 5 days (25 °C) | ISO 21527 / Ph. Eur. |
| Growth — C. albicans ATCC 10231 | Good growth; white creamy colonies ≤ 3 days (30 °C) | Growth promotion test |
| Sterility (prepared medium) | No growth at 14 days (30–35 °C) | Incubation sterility check |
Technical References
| Primary Reference | Wickerham L.J. (1951). Taxonomy of Yeasts. USDA Technical Bulletin No. 1029. |
| ISO Standard | ISO 21527-1:2008 & ISO 21527-2:2008 — Enumeration of yeasts and moulds in food |
| Pharmacopoeial | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 — Microbiological examination; A. brasiliensis ATCC 16404 QC strain |
| FDA-BAM | FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual — Chapter 18 (Yeasts, Moulds, Mycotoxins) |
| Cosmetics | ISO 16212 / CTFA — Fungi enumeration in cosmetic products |
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) · 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia · support@ausamics.com · +61 412 520 598 · www.ausamics.com.au
Safety Data Sheet — GHS Format (Australian WHS Regulations 2017)
Issue Date: March 2026 · Rev: 1.0 · Prepared in accordance with WHS Regulations and GHS 7th Revision.
Issue Date: March 2026 · Rev: 1.0 · Prepared in accordance with WHS Regulations and GHS 7th Revision.
Section 1 — Identification
| Product Name | Yeast Mold Agar (YM Agar, YMA) — AS-1382 |
| Other Names | YMA; Yeast-Malt Extract Agar; Wickerham’s YM Agar |
| Intended Use | General-purpose fungal culture medium — for laboratory use only |
| Supplier | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia |
| Phone / Emergency | +61 412 520 598 · Poisons Centre: 13 11 26 (24h) |
| Email / Web | support@ausamics.com · www.ausamics.com.au |
Section 2 — Hazard Identification
| GHS Classification | NOT classified as hazardous under GHS / WHS Regulations 2017 |
| Signal Word | None required |
| Hazard Statements | None allocated |
| Precautionary | P260 · P262 · P264 · P270 · P272 · P501 |
| Other Hazards | Dust may cause mild mechanical irritation. When culturing fungi: handle inoculated medium with appropriate biosafety precautions (PC1/PC2 depending on organism risk group). |
Section 3 — Composition
| Component | CAS No. | Proportion (w/w) | GHS Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agar (bacteriological) | 9002-18-0 | ~48.8% | Not classified |
| Dextrose (Glucose) | 50-99-7 | ~24.4% | Not classified |
| Peptone | — | ~12.2% | Not classified |
| Malt Extract | 8002-48-0 | ~7.3% | Not classified |
| Yeast Extract | 8013-01-2 | ~7.3% | Not classified |
Sections 4–8 — First Aid, Fire, Spill, Handling, PPE
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If respiratory irritation from dust persists, seek medical advice. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. No special treatment required. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with copious water ≥ 15 min, holding eyelids open. Seek medical advice if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Seek medical advice. Low acute toxicity — components are food-grade or GRAS. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable powder) |
| Extinguishing Media | CO², dry chemical, or water spray |
| Spill | Avoid dust generation. Collect with vacuum or damp cloth. Dispose per Section 13. For inoculated medium spills: autoclave all contaminated material. |
| Handling | Well-ventilated area. Standard lab PPE. Handle inoculated cultures with appropriate biosafety precautions (PC1 for saprophytes; PC2 for opportunistic pathogens such as Candida, Aspergillus fumigatus). |
| Storage | Dehydrated: 15–30 °C, dry, closed, light-protected. Prepared: 2–8 °C, sealed, use within 2 weeks. |
| Respiratory PPE | P2 dust mask if generating significant dust |
| Hand Protection | Nitrile or latex gloves (EN 374 / AS/NZS 2161) |
| Eye Protection | Safety glasses with side shields |
Sections 9–16 — Properties, Stability, Toxicology, Disposal, Regulatory
| Physical State | Solid (powder); pale cream to beige |
| pH (prepared) | 6.2 ± 0.2 (slightly acidic) |
| Stability | Stable under recommended conditions. Incompatible with strong oxidising agents and extreme pH. |
| Acute Oral Toxicity | Low — all components food-grade or GRAS |
| Skin / Eye Irritation | Not classified; dust may cause mild mechanical irritation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified (IARC, NTP) |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Not expected to be harmful at typical spill concentrations; all components biodegradable |
| Waste Disposal | Prepared medium (used/inoculated): autoclave 121 °C / 30 min before disposal as biohazardous waste. Unused: autoclave then dispose as general lab waste. |
| Transport | Not regulated as dangerous goods (ADG / IATA / IMDG) |
| AICS (Australia) | All components listed on Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances |
| SUSMP Schedule | Not scheduled |
| WHS Regulations | Not classified as a hazardous chemical under WHS Regulations 2017 |
| Biosafety | Use PC1 for environmental saprophytes; PC2 for opportunistic pathogens — per AS/NZS 2243.3:2010 |
| SDS Prepared By | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd — Technical & Quality Department · March 2026 · Rev 1.0 |
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) · 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia · support@ausamics.com · +61 412 520 598 · www.ausamics.com.au
This SDS is prepared in accordance with Australian WHS Regulations and GHS (7th Rev.). For laboratory use only.
This SDS is prepared in accordance with Australian WHS Regulations and GHS (7th Rev.). For laboratory use only.
Product Details
| Product Name | Yeast Mold Agar (YMA) |
| Catalog No. | AS-1382 |
| Lot No. | YMA260301 |
| Mfg. Date | March 2026 |
| Retest Date | March 2028 |
| Formulation | Wickerham’s YM Agar |
| Grade | Microbiological Grade |
Document Information
| COA No. | COA-AS-1382-L001 |
| Issue Date | March 2026 |
| Issued By | AuSaMicS Quality Control |
| Test Ref. | ISO 21527 / Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 |
Test Results & Analytical Data
| Test Parameter | Specification | Method | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance (powder) | Homogeneous; cream to beige; no lumps | Visual inspection | Conforms | PASS |
| Appearance (prepared medium) | Clear to slightly opalescent amber gel | Visual — plate check | Conforms | PASS |
| pH (prepared, 25 °C) | 6.0 – 6.4 | Potentiometry (ISO 10523) | 6.2 | PASS |
| Gel strength (prepared) | Firm, clear gel; no syneresis or collapse | Visual — plate check | Firm, clear | PASS |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 7.0% w/w | 105 °C / 2 h (gravimetric) | 3.9% | PASS |
| Solubility (41.0 g/L) | Complete dissolution on boiling | Suspension + heating | Complete | PASS |
| Growth — S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 | Good growth; typical yeast morphology ≤ 3 days (30 °C) | Growth promotion test | Good growth | PASS |
| Growth — A. brasiliensis ATCC 16404 | Good growth; sporulation within 5 days (25 °C) | ISO 21527 / Ph. Eur. | Good growth | PASS |
| Growth — C. albicans ATCC 10231 | Good growth; white creamy colonies ≤ 3 days (30 °C) | Growth promotion test | Good growth | PASS |
| Sterility (prepared medium) | No growth at 14 days (30–35 °C) | Incubation sterility check | No growth | PASS |
| ISO 21527 Performance Compliance | Supports yeasts and moulds per ISO 21527-1/2 criteria | Compositional + growth review | Conforms | CONFORM |
Conclusion: Lot YMA260301 fully meets all release specifications for Yeast Mold Agar (YMA). Growth promotion confirmed with S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763, A. brasiliensis ATCC 16404, and C. albicans ATCC 10231. This lot is RELEASED for use.
Quality Control Analyst
AuSaMicS Quality Control Department
Date: March 2026 | Signature: _______________
Quality Manager
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd
Date: March 2026 | Signature: _______________
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) warrants this product meets specifications at time of manufacture and release. For laboratory use only. Not intended for medical, food, or veterinary consumption. · 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia · support@ausamics.com · +61 412 520 598 · www.ausamics.com.au
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd · ABN 56 676 640 467 · 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia · support@ausamics.com · +61 412 520 598 · www.ausamics.com.au