OXOID Nutrient Agar

OXOID Nutrient Agar – General Purpose Culture Medium for Microbial Growth

OXOID Nutrient Agar is a widely used, high-quality general-purpose culture medium designed for the growth of a broad spectrum of non-fastidious microorganisms. Manufactured by Oxoid, this medium is trusted in clinical, research, food, and pharmaceutical laboratories for its reliability and consistent performance.

 What is Nutrient Agar?

Nutrient Agar is a non-selective medium that provides essential nutrients to support the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is ideal for routine cultivation, maintenance of microbial cultures, and microbial enumeration.

 Key Features

• General Purpose Medium – Supports a wide range of bacteria and fungi
• Highly Nutritive – Contains peptones, yeast extract, and salts for optimal microbial growth
• Reliable Performance – Consistent results across batches
• Versatile Applications – Suitable for clinical, environmental, and industrial laboratories

 Composition (Typical per Liter)

• Peptone: 5.0 g
• Beef extract: 3.0 g
• Sodium chloride: 5.0 g
• Agar: 15.0 g
• Final pH: 7.0 ± 0.2 at 25°C

 Applications

• Routine Microbial Cultivation – Growth and maintenance of bacterial and fungal cultures
• Microbial Enumeration – Total viable counts (TVC) in samples
• Environmental Testing – Monitoring of air, water, and surface contamination
• Quality Control – Pharmaceutical and food industry testing

 Directions for Use

1. Dissolve the required amount of Nutrient Agar powder in distilled water.
2. Heat gently to ensure complete dissolution.
3. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool to 45–50°C and pour into sterile Petri dishes.
5. Allow to solidify before inoculation.

 Storage & Shelf Life

• Store in a cool, dry place (10–30°C)
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
• Keep the container tightly sealed

 Precautions

• For laboratory use only
• Maintain aseptic techniques during preparation and use
• Do not use if powder shows signs of contamination or moisture

 Why Choose OXOID Nutrient Agar?

With decades of experience, Oxoid delivers a medium that ensures consistent microbial growth, making it ideal for routine laboratory and industrial applications.