Overview
An agar plate is a fundamental tool in microbiology, consisting of a petri dish filled with agar—a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed—mixed with nutrients to support microbial growth. It provides a stable surface for isolating and studying bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Standard agar plates are pre-sterilized and may contain additives like blood, antibiotics, or indicators for specialized applications. Their simplicity and versatility make them indispensable in clinical labs, research facilities, and industrial quality control.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Agar plates solidify at around 32–40°C and remain stable at room temperature. The gel’s porosity allows diffusion of nutrients and metabolites, facilitating microbial colony formation. Common formulations include nutrient agar (general-purpose), MacConkey agar (selective for Gram-negative bacteria), and Sabouraud agar (for fungi). The agar concentration (typically 1–2%) determines gel rigidity. Additives like peptones or yeast extract provide carbon and nitrogen sources. pH is usually neutral (7.0±0.2), though some plates are adjusted for acidophilic/alkaliphilic organisms.
Main Applications
Agar plates are widely used for pathogen identification in clinical diagnostics, such as detecting Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. In pharmaceuticals, they assess sterility and antibiotic efficacy. Environmental monitoring relies on them to test air, water, and surface contamination. Industrial applications include food safety testing (e.g., Salmonella screening) and biotechnology research (e.g., genetic transformation validation). Specialized plates with chromogenic substrates enable rapid species differentiation via colorimetric reactions.
Safety and Storage
Unused plates must be stored refrigerated to prolong shelf life (typically 4–8 weeks). Avoid freezing, which can crack the gel. Always inspect for condensation or cracks before use. Contaminated plates pose biohazard risks. Autoclave at 121°C for 15–30 minutes before disposal. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and lab coats is mandatory when handling. Flame sterilization of inoculation tools prevents cross-contamination.
B2B Procurement Guide
Bulk buyers should prioritize suppliers with ISO 13485 certification for consistent quality. Specify plate diameter (90mm is standard), depth (shallow/deep), and agar type (e.g., LB agar for E. coli). Pre-poured plates save labor but cost more than DIY media. Request batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for sterility testing. Consider gamma-irradiated plates for enhanced sterility assurance. For international shipping, ensure cold chain compliance to prevent gel melting.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：硫乙醇酸盐流体对照培、胰酪大豆胨液体对照培、麦康凯液体培养基、R2A琼脂对照培养基、沙氏葡萄糖琼脂对照培、胰酪大豆胨琼脂对照培、R2A琼脂培养基、TCBS琼脂培养基、大豆酪蛋白琼脂培养基、甘露醇氯化钠琼脂、结晶紫中性红胆盐琼脂、平板计数琼脂培养基、沙氏葡萄糖琼脂培养基、胰酪大豆胨琼脂培养基、营养琼脂培养基、孟加拉红培养基、胰酪大豆胨液体培养基、湛江博康鲎试剂
- 主营：培养基、培养皿、菌检测、马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂培养基、菌落计数器、水质检测、ms培养基、微生物检测仪器设备、接种环、微生物检验、微生物检测、程控定量封口机、支原体培养基、路桥培养基、三药培养基、海博培养基、菌种鉴定
- 主营：培养基、成品培养基、细胞培养基、营养琼脂、平板计数琼脂、沙氏琼脂、胰蛋白胨大豆琼脂、哥伦比亚血琼脂、显色培养基
- 主营：抗体、感受态、培养基、试剂盒、层析柱、填料、生物试剂、化学试剂
- 主营：试剂盒、增菌液、化妆品、平板9cm、m17琼脂、blb琼脂、mrs琼脂、gam琼脂、bhi琼脂、营养琼脂、琼脂平板、培养皿、肠球菌、肉汤lb2、培养基、厌氧产、菌落计数、采样管、采样袋、水样采集袋、菌片、分离培养、食品检验、药典、鉴定条
- 主营：实验室仪器、施睿康手套、耐思培养皿、迪康90清洗液、哈希