Agar Agar Powder Extra Pure
Agar Agar Powder Extra Pure is a high-grade, natural polysaccharide derived from red algae, valued for its superior gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. This fine, off-white powder dissolves in hot water to form firm, heat-stable gels, making it indispensable in microbiological media preparation, molecular biology, and food-grade laboratory testing. Its extra pure quality ensures minimal impurities, making it suitable for sensitive applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology research. Agar Agar Powder is also a preferred vegetarian alternative to gelatin in various experimental and industrial settings. It must be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its integrity, flow properties, and effectiveness in both scientific and technical formulations.
USES
Primary Uses
- Microbiological Culture Media
- Primary gelling agent in Petri dishes and slants for bacterial, fungal, and yeast culture growth.
- Tissue Culture & Plant Propagation
- Essential for creating semi-solid nutrient media in plant biotechnology and genetic research.
- Molecular Biology (Electrophoresis Support)
- Used to prepare agarose-like gels for separation of nucleic acids in low-resolution gel electrophoresis.
- Food Testing & Quality Control Labs
- Used in media formulations for microbial testing of food and beverage samples.
- Pharmaceutical Research
- Acts as a stabilizer or controlled-release agent in lab-scale pharmaceutical formulations.
- Acts as a stabilizer or controlled-release agent in lab-scale pharmaceutical formulations.
Secondary Uses
- Cosmetic & Dermatological Testing
- Used in formulation of test gels or cream bases for lab evaluation.
- Environmental Microbiology
- For sampling and culturing airborne, aquatic, or soil microorganisms in ecological studies.
- Biodegradable Material Research
- Acts as a component in the study of natural biofilms or bioplastics.
- Educational Use in Schools & Universities
- Safe and high-quality material for biology and microbiology demonstrations.
- Petri Film Manufacturing & R&D
- Ingredients in ultra-pure pre-poured agar films or dry media research.
AVAILABLE GRADES |
LABORATORY GRADE, |
---|---|
PACK SIZE AVERAGE | |
AVAILABLE TEXTURES |
Powdery – Fine, dry particles (e.g., baking soda, powdered detergents). |
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Agar-Agar (complex polysaccharide derived from red algae)
- CAS Number: 9002-18-0
- HS Code: 13023100
- Molecular Formula: Varies (primarily C₁₄H₂₄O₉)n – composed of agarose and agaropectin
- Synonyms:
- Agar
- Gelose
- Kanten (in Japanese)
- Vegetable gelatin
- E406 (as a food additive)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (powder)
- Color & Odor: Off-white to pale yellow; odorless or slightly earthy
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
- Melting Point: Gel melts at ~85°C, solidifies at ~32–40°C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~0.6–0.9 g/cm³ (bulk density)
- Solubility:
- Water: Insoluble in cold water; dissolves in boiling water
- Organic Solvents: Insoluble in alcohol and other organic solvents
- pH Level: ~6.0–7.5 (1.5% solution)
- Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Not volatile
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Forms a viscous gel when dissolved in hot water and cooled
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits
- Reactivity:
- Chemically stable under recommended conditions
- No significant reactivity hazards known
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container
- Avoid humidity and direct sunlight
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong oxidizers (may cause degradation)
- Container Type:
- HDPE jars, food-grade plastic, fiber drums with liners
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- 2–3 years if stored properly in dry, sealed conditions
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use dust mask or respirator in case of airborne particles
- Avoid inhalation of powder
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Approved by FDA (GRAS), EFSA (E406), and Codex Alimentarius
- REACH-exempt (natural polymer)
- Hazard Symbols (GHS Pictograms):
- None required – nonhazardous material
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not regulated for transport
- No UN number or special hazard classification
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
- Biodegradable – safe to dispose with organic or food waste
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Considered non-toxic to aquatic and terrestrial life
- Persistence in Environment:
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic by any regulatory body
- Biodegradability:
- Completely biodegradable in soil and water
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear gloves, dust mask (or respirator for fine powders), lab coat, and safety goggles.
- Avoid generating dust.
- Handling:
- Handle in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of airborne particles.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Keep away from strong oxidizing agents.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near the chemical.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the exposed person to fresh air.
- If breathing becomes difficult, seek medical advice.
- Rinse mouth and nose with water to remove any dust.
- Skin Contact:
- Wash affected area with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical advice if irritation develops.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if easy to do.
- Seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- If symptoms occur (e.g., bloating or discomfort), seek medical attention.
- Non-toxic in small quantities, but medical advice is recommended for large ingestion.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or foam.
- Specific Hazards:
- May emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on thermal decomposition.
- Fine dust can form explosive mixtures with air in confined spaces.
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Use full protective gear in case of major fire.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Avoid stirring up dust.
- Cool exposed containers with water spray.
- Extinguish from a safe distance and upwind.