Description
Simmons Citrate Agar is a specialized microbiological medium essential for the differentiation of gram-negative bacteria based on their ability to utilize citrate as a sole carbon source. This high-quality medium is designed to meet the rigorous demands of both clinical and research laboratories, ensuring accurate identification and metabolic studies of various bacterial species.
Key Features:
- Citrate Utilization Testing: Specifically formulated for identifying gram-negative bacteria that can utilize ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium citrate, critical for microbiological diagnostics.
- Color Change Indicator: The medium contains bromothymol blue, a pH indicator that shifts from green (neutral) to blue (alkaline) when citrate is metabolized, allowing for clear interpretation of results.
- High Purity Ingredients: Includes sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and agar, providing a stable environment for robust bacterial growth.
Formulation:
The approximate formula for Simmons Citrate Agar includes:
- Sodium Chloride: 5.0 g/liter
- Magnesium Sulfate: 0.2 g/liter
- Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate: 1.0 g/liter
- Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate: 1.0 g/liter
- Sodium Citrate: 5.0 g/liter
- Bromothymol Blue: 0.08 g/liter
- Agar: 15.0 g/liter
- Final pH: 6.8±0.2 at 25℃
Preparation:
To prepare Simmons Citrate Agar, suspend 27.3 g of the medium in one liter of deionized or distilled water. Mix thoroughly, heat with agitation, and boil for 1 minute. Dispense into tubes and sterilize in an autoclave at 121℃ (15 lbs.) for 15 minutes.
Applications:
- Bacterial Identification: Ideal for distinguishing citrate-positive gram-negative organisms in clinical diagnostics and environmental microbiology.
- Research Purposes: Supports studies in microbial metabolism, ecology, and environmental monitoring.
Appearance:
The dehydrated medium appears as a free-flowing light yellow-green powder, while the prepared medium forms a green transparent gel, providing a visually appealing and functional medium for bacterial culture.
Storage & Shelf Life:
Store Simmons Citrate Agar tightly capped at 5-30°C. The dehydrated medium has a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture, while prepared medium should be stored at 2-8°C, protected from direct light, to maintain its integrity and effectiveness.
Quality Control:
Conduct quality control by incubating the medium at 36±1℃ for 24-48 hours, observing cultural characteristics for accurate results.
Precautions:
This medium is intended for laboratory use only. Do not use dried medium that is past its shelf life or exhibits caking or color variation.
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