MacConkey Agar Medium for Selective Isolation

Description

MacConkey Agar Medium for Selective Isolation of Intestinal Bacteria

MacConkey Agar Medium is a vital tool in microbiology, specifically designed for the selective isolation of intestinal bacteria. This medium facilitates the growth of gram-negative organisms while inhibiting gram-positive bacteria due to its unique formulation. It serves as an essential resource for laboratories focusing on clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental microbiology.

Key Components

The approximate formula of MacConkey Agar Medium includes:

• Pancreatic Digest of Gelatin: 17.0 g/L
• Peptones (Meat and Casein): 3.0 g/L
• Lactose Monohydrate: 10.0 g/L
• Sodium Chloride: 5.0 g/L
• Bile Salts: 1.5 g/L
• Agar: 13.5 g/L
• Neutral Red: 0.03 g/L
• Crystal Violet: 0.001 g/L

The final pH of this medium is maintained at 7.1 ± 0.2 at 25℃, ensuring optimal conditions for bacterial growth.

Directions for Use

To prepare MacConkey Agar Medium, simply suspend 50.0 g of the medium in 1 liter of distilled water. Sterilize the mixture in an autoclave at 121 ℃ for 15 minutes. This preparation method ensures that the medium meets all performance criteria necessary for effective bacterial isolation.

Applications in Microbiology

MacConkey Agar Medium is widely used in clinical laboratories for the isolation and differentiation of enteric bacteria from stool samples. Its ability to selectively promote the growth of lactose fermenters, such as Escherichia coli, while inhibiting other types of bacteria makes it an invaluable resource. Researchers and microbiologists rely on this medium for pathogen detection, quality control in food products, and environmental monitoring.

Importance in Food Safety and Environmental Testing

In food safety, MacConkey Medium helps identify potential contaminants, ensuring that food products meet health regulations. Environmental testing also benefits from this medium by allowing scientists to monitor water and soil samples for harmful bacteria. By using MacConkey Agar, laboratories can enhance their efficiency in identifying and quantifying intestinal bacteria in various samples. visit our [United States Pharmacopeia] for more related products