APT AGAR

Intended Use

APT Agar is used for the cultivation of heterofermentative lactobacilli.

Product Summary and Explanatio

Evans and Niven investigated the cultivation of heterofermentative lactobacilli, causing the faded or green discoloration of cured meat products.1 Deibel, Evans, and Niven tested thiamine-requiring bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus viridescens.2 Their formulations led to the development of APT Agar.

Lactic acid bacteria, a group of acid-producing bacteria, include the genera Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, and Lactobacillus.3 These organisms are widespread in nature, associated with bacterial spoilage of foods including dairy products, meat, and vegetables.3 APT Agar is used for cultivating heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria from food products.3

Free Shipping within the Continental USA

Principles of the Procedure

Enzymatic Digest of Casein and Yeast Extract are the carbon, nitrogen, and vitamin sources used for general growth requirements in APT Agar. Sodium Chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Potassium Phosphate is the buffering agent. Dextrose is the fermentable carbohydrate. Manganese Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, and Ferrous Sulfate provide ions used in replication by lactobacilli. Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and a source of fatty acids required by lactobacilli. Sodium Carbonate is a neutralizing agent. Agar is the solidifying agent.

Formula / Liter

Enzymatic Digest of Casein .................................................... 10 g
Yeast Extract .......................................................................... 7.5 g
Sodium Chloride ....................................................................... 5 g
Potassium Phosphate ............................................................... 5 g
Sodium Citrate .......................................................................... 5 g
Dextrose .................................................................................. 10 g
Polysorbate 80 ....................................................................... 0.2 g
Magnesium Sulfate ................................................................ 0.8 g
Manganese Chloride ............................................................ 0.14 g
Ferrous Sulfate .................................................................... 0.04 g
Sodium Carbonate ............................................................... 1.25 g
Agar ..................................................................................... 13.5 g
Final pH: 6.7 ± 0.2 at 25C
Formula may be adjusted and/or supplemented as required to meet performance specifications.

Precautions

1. For Laboratory Use.

Directions

1. Suspend 58 g of the medium in one liter of purified water.
2. Heat with frequent agitation and boil for one minute to completely dissolve the medium.
3. Autoclave at 118 - 121C for 15 minutes.

Quality Control Specifications

Dehydrated Appearance: Powder is homogeneous, free flowing, and light beige.

Prepared Appearance: Prepared medium is trace to slightly hazy, amber, with trace to slight precipitate.

Expected Cultural Response: Cultural response on APT Agar at 35 ± 2C after 18 - 72 hours incubation.

Test Procedure

Refer to appropriate references for specific procedures using APT Agar.

Results

Refer to appropriate references and procedures for results.

Storage

Store sealed bottle containing the dehydrated medium at 2 - 30C. Once opened and recapped, place container in a low humidity environment at the same storage temperature. Protect from moisture and light by keeping container tightly closed.

Expiration

Refer to expiration date stamped on the container. The dehydrated medium should be discarded if not free flowing, or if appearance has changed from the original color. Expiry applies to medium in it’s intact container when stored as directed.