Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | R-2A Agar | M962-500 gm Himedia |
|---|---|
| Quantity/Pack Size | 500 gm |
| Form | Powder |
| Grade | Microbiology |
| Application | Isolation of heterotrophic bacteria from water, soil, and environmental samples |
Product Description
R-2A Agar is a specialized low-nutrient medium designed for the isolation and cultivation of heterotrophic bacteria from environmental sources. Developed by Himedia (M962), this 500g pack is widely used in microbiology labs for water testing, soil analysis, and research applications where standard nutrient agar may inhibit growth of slow-growing or oligotrophic bacteria.
The formulation includes a balanced blend of peptones, yeast extract, and glucose, providing just enough nutrients to support bacterial growth without overwhelming sensitive strains. Its low nutrient concentration makes it particularly effective for recovering bacteria from chlorinated water systems, biofilms, and other challenging environments.
Whether you’re a student conducting microbial ecology experiments or a researcher studying environmental microbiology, R-2A Agar offers consistent performance. The powder form allows for easy preparation, and the 500g pack size provides excellent value for regular lab use.
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Key Applications
R-2A Agar is commonly used for:
- Isolating bacteria from drinking water and wastewater samples
- Studying microbial communities in soil and sediment
- Researching biofilm formation in industrial systems
- Environmental monitoring and quality control testing
- Educational demonstrations of bacterial diversity
Preparation Instructions
For optimal results, suspend 18.2g of R-2A Agar powder in 1 liter of distilled water. Heat to boiling to dissolve completely, then sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. Cool to 45-50°C before pouring into sterile Petri dishes. Store prepared plates at 2-8°C.
Storage and Handling
Store the unopened powder at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place. Once prepared, use plates within 4 weeks for best results. Always follow standard microbiological safety practices when handling bacterial cultures.
FAQs
What is the shelf life of R-2A Agar powder?
The unopened powder has a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly.
Can R-2A Agar be used for clinical samples?
While primarily designed for environmental samples, it can support some clinical isolates, but specialized media are generally preferred for diagnostic work.
How does R-2A Agar differ from standard nutrient agar?
R-2A contains significantly lower nutrient concentrations, making it better suited for slow-growing environmental bacteria that might be outcompeted on richer media.
What is the typical incubation time for R-2A Agar plates?
Most environmental bacteria will show visible growth within 48-72 hours at 25-30°C, though some may require up to 7 days.
Is this product suitable for student lab experiments?
Yes, R-2A Agar is commonly used in educational settings for demonstrating microbial diversity in environmental samples.
