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.

Description

USES

Primary Uses

  1. Microbiological Culture Media

    • Primary gelling agent in Petri dishes and slants for bacterial, fungal, and yeast culture growth.

  2. Tissue Culture & Plant Propagation

    • Essential for creating semi-solid nutrient media in plant biotechnology and genetic research.

  3. Molecular Biology (Electrophoresis Support)

    • Used to prepare agarose-like gels for separation of nucleic acids in low-resolution gel electrophoresis.

  4. Food Testing & Quality Control Labs

    • Used in media formulations for microbial testing of food and beverage samples.

  5. Pharmaceutical Research

    • Acts as a stabilizer or controlled-release agent in lab-scale pharmaceutical formulations.

Secondary Uses

  1. Cosmetic & Dermatological Testing

    • Used in formulation of test gels or cream bases for lab evaluation.

  2. Environmental Microbiology

    • For sampling and culturing airborne, aquatic, or soil microorganisms in ecological studies.

  3. Biodegradable Material Research

    • Acts as a component in the study of natural biofilms or bioplastics.

  4. Educational Use in Schools & Universities

    • Safe and high-quality material for biology and microbiology demonstrations.

  5. Petri Film Manufacturing & R&D

    • Ingredients in ultra-pure pre-poured agar films or dry media research.
Additional information
AVAILABLE GRADES

LABORATORY GRADE,

PACK SIZE AVERAGE
AVAILABLE TEXTURES

Powdery – Fine, dry particles (e.g., baking soda, powdered detergents).

KEY ATTRIBUTES

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 HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    • Wear gloves, dust mask (or respirator for fine powders), lab coat, and safety goggles.

    • Avoid generating dust.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Hygiene Measures:

    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

    • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near the chemical.

FIRST AID MEASURES

  1. 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.

  2. Skin Contact:

    • Wash affected area with soap and water.

    • Remove contaminated clothing.

    • Seek medical advice if irritation develops.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  1. Suitable Extinguishing Media:

    • Use water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or foam.

  2. Specific Hazards:

    • May emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on thermal decomposition.

    • Fine dust can form explosive mixtures with air in confined spaces.

  3. Protective Equipment for Firefighters:

    • Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

    • Use full protective gear in case of major fire.

  4. Firefighting Instructions:

    • Avoid stirring up dust.

    • Cool exposed containers with water spray.

    • Extinguish from a safe distance and upwind.