Learn about agar in prepared media plates and why we use agar to grow bacteria such as E. coli.

1. The following presentation is by Scott J. Bradley, B.A.
and…

2. In this Video…I’m going give you
…an understanding of what Agar is,
…how to pour your first plates,
….and the confidence to do it!
Before you know it ~ you’ll totally rock
on the lab bench!

3. Okay…So What Is Agar Anyways?
Agar is a polysaccharide that is
generally derived from…
red algae – a common variety
would be from the
genera, Gelidium.
Boiling the algae helps
to isolate the agarose,
and Agaropectin.
These two subunits help comprise
the sugar Galactose. Cool, huh?

4. Three Big Advantages
when Pouring your
own Agar Plates…
1. They’re ready when you need them,
2. You can make just what you need,
3. Perform all the quality control in
house.
All great if you’re just making a
few plates…as
opposed to many!

5. From around the mid 1800’s through the end of the
first decade of 1900 was known as,
“The Golden Age of Microbiology.”
During this time, many
advancements in staining and
other techniques were discovered
such as Gram Staining,
but nothing proved better as a base to
grow microbes on than agar.
Nature.com
When did Agar become Popular?

6. Depending on the type of agar being
prepared, generally mix with water, boil to dissolve
and then autoclave – usually
at 121C. For 12 -15 minutes.
Once the cycle has finished,
the agar should be allowed
to cool to about 65 degrees
C. before pouring…
Agar is an edible gelatin!
…this is called, tempering the agar.
OK – So How do I Make IT?

7. Tempering (bring to pouring temp. of 65C.) ….
….is often done with the use of a wet bath
for a controlled temperature environment.
• Properly tempered agar will
have a smooth viscosity
promoting consistent pouring.
• Agar provides a superb base,
and then specific nutrients
can be added to suit the
needs of the microbiologist.
• It is also a stable, easy to pour
material that allows direct
application of bacteria to the surface.
Hyserve

8. When Agar is ready to pour…
…it should be at
…65 degrees C.
Agar at 65 degrees C.
Good info – Shout it out!

9. It is worth mentioning…
that any agar poured
into sterile petri dishes
needs to be handled with aseptic technique.
This simply means to not allow
the media to touch or be
exposed to any
non sterile items.
Hey ! Use Sterile gloves when pouring media and
plating.
Aseptic Technique
Authorstream.com

10. So…
… now you know that you need to:
 Mix your media in water,
…and boil to dissolve.
 Then either temper and pour,
…or autoclave, temper and pour.
 Then let your plate cool, cover,
and…refrigerate until needed! Nice Plates your poured there!

11. Congratulations!
I knew you could do it!
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