Agar Agar Powder – 500 gram Packs

Agar Agar Powder is a natural polysaccharide-based gelling agent obtained primarily from certain species of red algae. It consists mainly of agarose and agaropectin, which give it the ability to form firm gels under suitable conditions. Agar Agar is widely used in microbiology laboratories as a solidifying agent for culture media and in educational and research settings involving microbial cultivation and laboratory media preparation. Its gelling properties also make it useful for selected biochemical experiments and investigations of gel formation. Unlike a single pure molecular compound, agar is a complex mixture of polysaccharides, so its precise composition and molecular weight can vary with the source and processing method. This 500 g pack is intended for laboratory applications where the product’s grade and specifications meet the experimental requirements. Appropriate storage and clean handling help maintain its quality and reduce contamination.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Appearance	White to pale cream powder
Assay	99%
Chemical Name	Agar Agar
Alternate Names	Agar, Agarose-containing Polysaccharide, Agar Gel, Agar Powder
Molecular Formula	Not applicable; agar is a complex polysaccharide mixture with variable composition.
Empirical Formula	Not applicable; composition varies with source and processing.
CAS Number	9002-18-0
Molecular Weight	Not applicable as a single value; agar contains polysaccharides with variable molecular weights.
Grade	LR Laboratory Reagent

Key Features of Agar Agar Powder

• Polysaccharide-based gelling agent: Primarily contains agarose and agaropectin, which contribute to its gel-forming properties.
• Thermoreversible gel formation: Forms gels on cooling after suitable heating and dissolution, allowing preparation of solid laboratory media.
• Microbiology laboratory relevance: Commonly used as a solidifying component in appropriate microbiological culture media.
• Useful physical characteristics: Its gel strength and setting behaviour support the preparation of solid surfaces for controlled laboratory investigations.
• Broad research utility: Suitable for selected microbiology, biochemistry, and gel-related studies when the product grade meets the method requirements.

Laboratory Applications of Agar Agar Powder

• Microbiological culture media: Used as a solidifying agent in suitable culture media for microbial cultivation under approved laboratory protocols.
• School and college practicals: Supports supervised demonstrations of microbial growth, aseptic technique, and culture medium preparation in appropriately equipped laboratories.
• University microbiology research: Used to prepare solid media for selected investigations involving microbial isolation and observation.
• Biochemical experiments: Can be used in selected procedures that require an agar-based gel matrix, depending on the experimental design.
• Gel formation studies: Useful for examining polysaccharide gelation, setting behaviour, and the effects of preparation conditions on gel properties.

Why Choose Lab Wale to Buy Agar Agar Powder

Lab Wale provides a sourcing option for laboratory chemicals, reagents, and scientific supplies used by schools, colleges, universities, research centres, and laboratory professionals. When purchasing Agar Agar Powder in a 500 g pack, buyers should review the stated grade, product specifications, and applicable technical and safety information to determine suitability for their intended application. Selecting a product that matches the requirements of the culture medium or experimental method helps laboratories plan their work effectively. Always verify suitability for the specific laboratory procedure before use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Agar Agar Powder

What is Agar Agar Powder used for in laboratories?

Agar Agar Powder is widely used as a solidifying agent in microbiological culture media. It is also used in selected educational practicals, microbiology research, and gel formation experiments. The appropriate grade depends on whether the procedure requires general laboratory agar or material with more specific performance characteristics.

What is the chemical formula of Agar Agar?

Agar Agar does not have one fixed molecular formula because it is a complex polysaccharide mixture composed mainly of agarose and agaropectin. Its composition and molecular characteristics vary with the algal source and manufacturing process, so a single molecular formula or molecular weight is not appropriate.

What is the CAS number of Agar Agar Powder?

The commonly listed CAS Registry Number for agar is 9002-18-0. This identifier is associated with agar as a polysaccharide material. Product documentation should be checked to ensure that the supplied material matches the intended laboratory application and grade.

Why is Agar Agar used in microbiological culture media?

Agar provides a solid or semi-solid matrix that supports the growth and observation of microorganisms under suitable culture conditions. It is widely used because it forms gels on cooling and remains sufficiently stable at many routine incubation temperatures. The medium formulation and laboratory protocol must be appropriate for the organism and experiment.

How should Agar Agar Powder be stored and handled?

Store Agar Agar Powder in a tightly closed, clean, dry container in a cool, dry location. Protect it from moisture and contamination, and avoid generating airborne powder during weighing. Use clean equipment and appropriate laboratory hygiene practices when preparing culture media or other solutions.

Storage Conditions for Agar Agar Powder

Store Agar Agar Powder in a tightly closed, clearly labelled container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Protect it from moisture, excessive heat, and contamination. Keep the container sealed when not in use and use clean, dry utensils during transfer. Follow the supplier’s storage guidance and institutional procedures to preserve material quality.

Precautions for Handling Agar Agar Powder

Review the applicable Safety Data Sheet and laboratory procedures before use. Avoid inhaling airborne powder and minimize dust generation during weighing and transfer. Wear suitable laboratory clothing, gloves, and eye protection as appropriate. Use clean equipment to prevent contamination, especially when preparing microbiological media. Follow approved procedures for media preparation, sterilization, waste disposal, and biological material handling where relevant.