Nutrient Agar
Nutrient Agar is a general-purpose solid medium widely used for cultivating a variety of non-fastidious microorganisms. It provides essential nutrients that support the growth of bacteria and fungi in laboratory settings.
Composition :
- Peptone (0.5%) : Supplies organic nitrogen.
- Beef Extract or Yeast Extract (0.3%) : Offers vitamins, carbohydrates, nitrogen, and salts.
- Agar (1.5%) : Solidifying agent.
- Sodium Chloride (0.5%) : Maintains osmotic balance.
- Distilled Water : Acts as a solvent.
- pH : Adjusted to neutral (around 6.8) at 25°C.
Preparation :
- Dissolve the specified amount of powder in distilled water.
- Sterilize the mixture by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes.
- Cool to approximately 50°C.
- Pour into sterile Petri dishes and allow to solidify.