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Microbiology Testing FAQs — Methods & Media | HiMedia USA
What is Nutrient Agar?
Nutrient Agar is a general-purpose, non-selective medium for cultivating, isolating and enumerating non-fastidious microorganisms. Because it contains no selective or differential agents, it supports unrestricted growth of most aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. It is used for purity testing, bioburden determination, culture maintenance, environmental monitoring and water analysis, and allows observation of colony morphology, pigmentation and texture for preliminary identification.
What are the composition and formula of Nutrient Agar?
HiMedia Nutrient Agar (M001) contains peptone, sodium chloride, HM Peptone B, yeast extract,
and agar, providing essential nutrients and a solidifying matrix for microbial growth. The
formulation per litre consists of peptone 5.0 g, sodium chloride 5.0 g, HM Peptone B 1.5 g, yeast
extract 1.5 g, and agar 15.0 g. HM Peptone B is equivalent to beef extract. The formula is
adjusted and standardized to meet specified performance parameters, with a final pH of 7.4 ± 0.2
at 25°C.
What are the technical specifications of Nutrient Agar?
Nutrient Agar (M001): Nutrient Agar is a general-purpose, non-selective medium for cultivation of less fastidious microorganisms. It contains peptone (5.0 g/L), sodium chloride (5.0 g/L), HM peptone B (1.5 g/L), yeast extract (1.5 g/L), and agar (15.0 g/L). The final pH is 7.4 ± 0.2 at 25°C. The medium forms a light-yellow, clear to slightly opalescent gel with firm gelling comparable to 1.5% agar. Cultural performance is evaluated at 35–37°C for 18–48 hours, with good-to-luxuriant growth and ≥70% recovery for specified test organisms.
How much does 500g of Nutrient Agar make?
500g of Nutrient Agar (28g per liter) makes approximately 17.9 liters of prepared medium. In plates: (1) 90mm plates (20mL each) = ~895 plates, (2) 100mm plates (25mL each) = ~716 plates. In tubes: (1) Slants (5mL) = ~3,580 slants, (2) Deeps (10mL) = ~1,790 deeps. Cost comparison: 500g dehydrated costs significantly less than equivalent RTU plates but requires preparation time, autoclave, QC testing. For high-volume teaching labs or facilities with established media prep - dehydrated economical. For clinical/GMP - RTU preferred.
What is Nutrient Broth used for?
Nutrient Broth is simple liquid medium for cultivation of non-fastidious bacteria. Contains beef extract and peptone in water. Used for: (1) General bacterial cultivation, (2) Biomass production for testing, (3) Inoculum preparation, (4) Enrichment (non-selective), (5) Maintaining stock cultures, (6) Teaching laboratories. Less nutrient-rich than TSB or BHI. Sufficient for robust organisms (E. coli, Bacillus, Pseudomonas) but may not support fastidious organisms. Incubate at organism's optimal temperature with shaking if desired for aeration.
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