Agar, Technical (7619)
Intended Use
Agar, Technical serves as a robust solidifying agent essential for the preparation of microbiological culture media, meeting the stringent standards set by the US Pharmacopeia (USP).
Product Summary and Explanation
Agar is a natural phycocolloid derived from red-purple algae, primarily Gelidium spp. Since its introduction for microbiological applications by Fannie Hesse in 1881, agar has surpassed gelatin as the preferred gelling agent. This transformation revolutionized microbiological research due to agar’s ability to remain firm at typical growth temperatures for various pathogens, coupled with its resistance to degradation by bacterial enzymes. This advancement enables microbiologists to study pure cultures with unprecedented efficiency.
Agar exhibits unique thermal properties—remaining gelled at temperatures as high as 65°C and melting between approximately 85 - 91°C. It solidifies at a lower range of 34 - 36°C, showcasing a phenomenon known as hysteresis. Although agar generally resists shear forces, variations in gel strength and firmness can occur based on the specific type of agar used, offering versatility in applications.
Key Specifications
- Good clarity for optimal visibility during analysis
- Controlled gelation and melting temperatures for consistent results
- Excellent diffusion characteristics for even distribution of nutrients
- Free from toxic bacterial inhibitors, ensuring purity of cultures
- Minimal presence of metabolically active minerals and compounds
- Recommended as a general-purpose agar for diverse microbiological culture media preparations
Agar, Technical is a fundamental tool for laboratories focusing on microbiology, offering reliability and performance essential for high-quality research and diagnostics.
