Agar Based Medium is a commonly used medium in microbiology and biochemistry experiments. It is a solid medium composed of agar, vitamins, inorganic salts, amino acids, and other components. This article will discuss in detail the preparation methods of Agar Based Medium and the formulas suitable for different microorganisms.
Agar
Agar is a natural gelatin derived from the gelatinous parts of agar plants. It has good gel stability and transparency, making it an ideal choice for preparing solid media.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required for microbial growth. Common vitamins include the B vitamin group and vitamin C.
Inorganic salts
Inorganic salts are inorganic substances needed for microbial growth, including sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.
Amino acids
Amino acids are organic substances necessary for microbial growth. Common amino acids include lysine, aspartic acid, etc.
According to the requirements of different microorganisms, different formulations of Agar Based Medium can be prepared. Below, taking commonly used general-purpose Agar Based Medium as an example, we introduce the preparation methods of Agar Based Medium.
Prepare Glass Containers
First, prepare glass containers for the preparation of Agar Based Medium. The containers must be dry and clean to avoid contamination.
Weigh the Ingredients
According to the required formulation, weigh appropriate amounts of agar, vitamins, inorganic salts, and amino acids.
Add an Appropriate Amount of Water
Add the weighed ingredients to a certain amount of distilled water, stirring them until fully dissolved.
Boil the Solution
Heat the solution to a boil and continue boiling for 1 to 2 minutes to kill any potential bacteria and other microorganisms.
Sterilize
Pour the boiled solution into pre-sterilized Agar Based Medium bottles, seal them tightly, and use an autoclave to sterilize the Agar Based Medium.
Store
Store the sterilized Agar Based Medium in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
The prepared Agar Based Medium can be used for the inoculation and cultivation of microorganisms. Below are the general steps for using Agar Based Medium for microbial cultivation.
Wash the Petri Dishes
First, clean the petri dishes with detergent and water, then dry them with hot air to ensure sterile conditions.
Pour in the Agar Based Medium
Preheat the Agar Based Medium to about 45°C, then pour it into the petri dishes, filling roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of their volume.
Inoculate
Inoculate the microorganisms onto the agar in the petri dishes, using sterile pipettes or other tools for the operation.
Incubate
Place the inoculated agar petri dishes upside down in an incubator, setting appropriate temperature and incubation time.
Observe and Record
Regularly observe the microbial growth in the petri dishes, recording information such as the colony's shape, color, and number.
Agar Based Medium is a commonly used solid medium with relatively simple preparation methods. By preparing suitable raw materials and following a specific ratio and steps, one can produce agar media suitable for different microorganisms. When using Agar Based Medium for microbial cultivation, it is essential to maintain sterile operations and appropriate cultivation conditions to obtain accurate and reliable experimental results.
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