High grade MacConkey Sorbitol Agar (Sorbitol Agar) is supplied by Micromaster. It is available in the form of a light yellow to pink homogeneous free flowing powder with a pH in the range of 6.9 to 7.3. It is advisable to store this product between 10-30C in a tightly closed container. Once opened, MacConkey Sorbitol Agar (Sorbitol Agar) should be properly stored in a dry place, after tightly capping the bottle in order to prevent lump formation due to the hygroscopic nature of the product. Store this product in dry ventilated area, away from extreme temperatures and sources of ignition.

Quantity provided: 500g /pack

MacConkey Sorbitol Agar is used for isolation and identification of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains associated with infant diarrhoea. MacConkey Sorbitol Agar is based on the formulation described by Rappaport and Henigh. Escherichia coli O157: H7, which has been recognized as a cause of hemorrhagic colitis, ferments lactose but does not ferment sorbitol, hence produces colourless colonies. On standard MacConkey Agar containing lactose, this strain is indistinguishable from other lactose-fermenting E.coli. In MacConkey Sorbitol Agar Base, lactose is replaced by sorbitol. The growth of E.coli O157:H7 on MacConkey Agar with Sorbitol shows colourless colonies and most of the fecal flora ferment sorbitol and appear pink. MacConkey Agar with Sorbitol therefore permits ready recognition of E.coli O157:H7. Peptone and proteose peptone present in the media, supply necessary nutrients like nitrogenous and carbonaceous compounds, long chain amino acids, minerals, vitamins and trace ingredients for the growth of organisms. Crystal violet and bile salt mixture present in the medium inhibit growth of gram-positive bacteria. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic equilibrium. Neutral red is an indicator. D-Sorbitol is the fermentable carbohydrate.