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.

 

Description

Nutrient Agar

Primary Uses 

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

Secondary Uses 

  1. Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing
    • Serves as a base medium for disc diffusion tests with added supplements.
  2. Environmental Microbiology
    • Used to isolate and cultivate environmental microbes from soil and water samples.
  3. Biotechnology
    • Serves as a medium for microbial culture in small-scale biotechnological assays.
  4. 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

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; may burn under extreme heat
  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers
  • Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust during handling
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides