Nutrient Agar

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Nutrient Agar is a general-purpose solid growth medium used extensively in microbiology laboratories for the cultivation of a wide variety of non-fastidious microorganisms. It consists of a blend of peptones, beef extract, and agar as the solidifying agent. Nutrient Agar supports the growth of bacteria and fungi, providing essential nutrients such as amino acids, nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals.

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Category: OTHERS Tags: Agar Base, Culture Medium, Laboratory Agar, Microbiological Growth Medium, Microbiology Research, Nutrient Agar

Description

Table of Contents

Nutrient Agar

Primary Uses

Microbial Cultivation
- Supports growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi in laboratory cultures.
- Used for routine isolation, maintenance, and enumeration of microorganisms.
Quality Control Testing
- Employed in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries for microbial contamination testing.
Educational Purposes
- Widely used in academic institutions for teaching microbiology and conducting experiments.
Research Applications
- Used as a baseline medium for microbiological research and microbial strain maintenance.

Secondary Uses

Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing
- Serves as a base medium for disc diffusion tests with added supplements.
Environmental Microbiology
- Used to isolate and cultivate environmental microbes from soil and water samples.
Biotechnology
- Serves as a medium for microbial culture in small-scale biotechnological assays.
Microbial Enumeration
- Applied in quantifying viable microbial counts in various samples via plate counts.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Microbiological growth medium (complex mixture)
Common/Trade Name: Nutrient Agar
CAS Number: Not applicable (mixture)
HS Code: 3822.00.00
Synonyms: General Purpose Agar Medium

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid (powdered form for preparation); gel (after preparation)
Color: Pale yellow to light amber after sterilization
Odor: Characteristic mild peptone/beef extract smell
pH: Typically 6.8 ± 0.2 at 25°C
Solubility: Soluble in boiling water; forms gel upon cooling

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Toxicity: Non-toxic under normal laboratory handling
Exposure Limits: No specific limits; standard microbiological lab safety applies

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in sealed containers
Container Type: Supplied in powder form in plastic or glass bottles
Shelf Life: 1–2 years if stored properly
Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of powder; use aseptic techniques

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Complies with microbiological culture medium standards such as USP, EP, and ISO 11133
Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for laboratory reagents

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Biodegradable organic material
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental risk when disposed of properly
Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as hazardous

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Lab coat, gloves, and eye protection recommended
Handling Guidelines: Use in sterile conditions; avoid ingestion or inhalation of powders
Storage Measures: Keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture uptake

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if adverse effects occur