Agar-agar is a product by Micromaster. It is used in bacterial and plant cell culture, as a gelling agent. It is used in the following concentrations depending upon the media requirements:

- Routine media 1.4%

- Soft media 0.5%

- Semi-solid media 0.15%

- Media with reduced oxygen tension 0.05%

- Extra hard gels 2.5%

The product is a phycocolloid which is extracted from a class of algae called Rhodophyceae. This includes red-purple marine algae such as Gelidium, Pterocladia, Gracillaria, etc. The crude extract is purified to remove impurities, debris, minerals and pigment. Agar-agar can be dissolved in water or media by heating and once it cools, it solidifies and is hence, used for the preparation of solid bacteriological media.

Specifications:

Product name: Agar Agar (Premium)

Brand: Micromaster

Appearance: Cream coloured, homogenous, free flowing powder

Clarity: Firm, solid, clear and slightly opalescent gel