Dextrose Agar – 500 gram Packs

Dextrose Agar is a dehydrated microbiological culture medium used for cultivating microorganisms under appropriate laboratory conditions. Depending on the specific formulation, it contains dextrose (glucose) as a carbohydrate source, nutrient ingredients such as peptones or extracts, and agar as a solidifying agent. Its composition, pH, and suitability for particular organisms depend on the manufacturer’s formulation. When prepared according to the applicable instructions, Dextrose Agar provides a solid medium for microbial cultivation, colony observation, and selected microbiological investigations. It is relevant to microbiology practicals in colleges and universities, research laboratories, and institutional microbiology facilities. Some formulations may be used as a base for specialised media when the validated procedure permits. Lab Wale offers Dextrose Agar in 500 gram packs for suitable educational and research laboratory applications. Confirm the intended microbiological use and product specifications before selecting the medium.

Product Specifications

Key Features of Dextrose Agar

• Carbohydrate-containing culture medium: Dextrose supplies a readily available carbohydrate source for microorganisms capable of utilising glucose under suitable conditions.
• Solid medium preparation: Agar provides a solid surface for inoculation, microbial cultivation, and colony observation when the medium is prepared correctly.
• Nutrient-supported growth: Depending on the formulation, peptones and nutrient extracts provide additional compounds required for microbial growth.
• Formulation-dependent properties: The medium’s composition, pH, preparation requirements, and intended organisms vary by manufacturer and product type.
• Educational and research utility: Suitable formulations support supervised microbiology practicals and selected investigations of microbial cultivation and culture-medium performance.

Laboratory Applications of Dextrose Agar

• Microbiology teaching practicals: Used in appropriately supervised experiments to demonstrate inoculation, microbial cultivation, and colony observation.
• Microbial cultivation: Supports growth of organisms compatible with the particular formulation and the specified incubation conditions.
• Research investigations: Used in selected studies evaluating microbial growth behaviour and the performance of culture media under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Culture-medium preparation training: Helps students and laboratory personnel practise reconstitution, heating, sterilisation, and aseptic dispensing according to the product instructions.
• Specialised medium preparation: Certain formulations may be supplemented for specific investigations when supported by a validated method; the medium’s glucose content can affect results in procedures such as haemolysis assessment.

Why Choose Lab Wale to Buy Dextrose Agar

Lab Wale provides a convenient sourcing option for laboratory chemicals, microbiological media, and scientific supplies for schools, colleges, universities, research centres, and laboratory professionals. When purchasing Dextrose Agar, consider the intended application, formulation, preparation requirements, and grade needed for the procedure. Reviewing available product specifications and relevant safety information helps laboratories select an appropriate medium. The 500 gram pack provides a practical purchasing quantity for suitable institutional and research laboratory requirements, subject to the product’s stated specifications and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dextrose Agar

What is Dextrose Agar used for in laboratories?

Dextrose Agar is used for cultivating microorganisms under suitable conditions and observing microbial colonies. Its carbohydrate source and solidifying agent support applications in microbiology education and selected research investigations. The range of organisms it supports depends on the formulation, incubation conditions, and specific nutritional requirements.

What are the main ingredients of Dextrose Agar?

Depending on the formulation, Dextrose Agar may contain dextrose, peptones or protein digests, nutrient extracts, and agar. Dextrose provides a carbohydrate source, nutrient ingredients supply additional growth requirements, and agar forms the solid medium. Exact ingredients and proportions should be confirmed from the product-specific technical information.

What is the molecular formula of Dextrose Agar?

Dextrose Agar does not have one molecular formula because it is a formulated mixture rather than a single chemical compound. Dextrose itself has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆, while agar and the other medium ingredients have different compositions. The complete formulation therefore has no single molecular weight.

How is Dextrose Agar prepared for microbiological use?

Preparation depends on the manufacturer’s instructions and the exact formulation. Typically, the specified quantity of dehydrated medium is suspended in purified water, heated to dissolve, and sterilised using the prescribed procedure when required. The prepared medium is then handled aseptically. Use validated instructions appropriate to the intended organisms and application.

How should Dextrose Agar be stored and handled safely?

Keep the dehydrated medium in its original, tightly closed container in a dry location, protected from moisture, excessive heat, and contamination. Wear suitable laboratory clothing, gloves, and eye protection, and minimise dust generation. Handle prepared media and inoculated cultures using appropriate biosafety procedures, including validated decontamination before disposal.

Storage Conditions for Dextrose Agar

Store dehydrated Dextrose Agar in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location protected from moisture, excessive heat, and contamination. Follow the manufacturer’s specified storage temperature and shelf-life instructions for the particular formulation. Close the container promptly after dispensing, maintain clear labelling, and avoid introducing moisture or contaminants that could affect the medium’s performance.

Precautions for Handling Dextrose Agar

Review the applicable Safety Data Sheet and product preparation instructions before use. Wear a laboratory coat, suitable gloves, and safety goggles, and avoid inhaling airborne powder during weighing or transfer. Use appropriate equipment for heating and sterilisation, and follow aseptic techniques during dispensing. Handle inoculated cultures with suitable biosafety precautions and decontaminate used media and contaminated materials using validated institutional procedures before disposal.