Description
Specifications Table
| Product Name | Lysine Arginine Iron Agar (LAI Agar) |
|---|---|
| Quantity/Pack Size | 100 Gms, 500 Gms |
| Form | Powder |
| Grade | Laboratory Grade |
| Application | Microbial identification, Salmonella detection |
Product Description
Lysine Arginine Iron Agar, commonly known as LAI Agar, is a specialized microbiological medium designed for the differentiation and identification of Salmonella species and other enteric bacteria. This medium leverages the metabolic capabilities of bacteria to produce distinct color changes, making it an essential tool in clinical and research laboratories.
The agar contains lysine and arginine as key components, which certain bacteria can decarboxylate, leading to a rise in pH and a subsequent color shift in the medium. The inclusion of iron allows for the detection of hydrogen sulfide production, further aiding in bacterial identification. The differential nature of LAI Agar makes it particularly useful in food safety testing, water analysis, and medical diagnostics.
At eqipped, we ensure that our Lysine Arginine Iron Agar meets stringent quality standards, providing consistent and reliable results for your laboratory needs. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or educator, this medium is a valuable addition to your microbiology toolkit.
How Lysine Arginine Iron Agar Works
When bacteria are inoculated onto LAI Agar, their metabolic activities determine the color changes observed:
- Bacteria that decarboxylate lysine or arginine will turn the medium purple due to the alkaline pH shift.
- Hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria will create black precipitates in the medium.
- Non-fermenting or non-decarboxylating bacteria will leave the medium yellow or unchanged.
These reactions help distinguish Salmonella species from other enteric pathogens, such as Shigella or Escherichia coli, which do not produce the same metabolic byproducts.
Applications of LAI Agar
Lysine Arginine Iron Agar is widely used in:
- Clinical microbiology labs for pathogen identification.
- Food and water testing to detect contamination.
- Educational settings for teaching bacterial metabolism and identification techniques.
- Research studies involving enteric bacteria and their biochemical properties.
Its versatility and reliability make it a staple in laboratories across India, from academic institutions to industrial testing facilities.
Why LAI Agar is Essential for Your Lab
For researchers and students working with bacterial cultures, having a dependable differential medium like LAI Agar is crucial. It simplifies the process of identifying Salmonella and other enteric bacteria, reducing the need for additional confirmatory tests. The medium’s stability and ease of use ensure that even those new to microbiology can achieve accurate results.
At eqipped, we understand the importance of high-quality lab supplies. Our Lysine Arginine Iron Agar is sourced from trusted manufacturers and undergoes rigorous quality checks to guarantee performance. Whether you’re setting up a new lab or restocking your supplies, this medium is a smart choice for precise microbial analysis.
Buying Lysine Arginine Iron Agar Online
Purchasing lab supplies online should be convenient and reliable. With eqipped, you can buy Lysine Arginine Iron Agar in pack sizes of 100 Gms or 500 Gms, depending on your requirements. Our platform ensures secure transactions, fast shipping, and responsive customer support, so you can focus on your experiments without worrying about supply chain delays.
Order your Lysine Arginine Iron Agar today and experience seamless lab supply shopping with eqipped.
Safety and Handling
While Lysine Arginine Iron Agar is generally safe for laboratory use, it is important to follow standard microbiological practices:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and lab coats.
- Avoid inhaling the powder or allowing it to come into contact with skin or eyes.
- Store the medium in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Dispose of used cultures and contaminated materials according to biohazard waste protocols.
FAQs
What is Lysine Arginine Iron Agar used for?
Lysine Arginine Iron Agar is used to differentiate and identify Salmonella species and other enteric bacteria based on their metabolic activities, such as lysine decarboxylation and hydrogen sulfide production.
How do I prepare Lysine Arginine Iron Agar?
To prepare LAI Agar, suspend the powder in distilled water, heat to boiling to dissolve completely, and sterilize by autoclaving. Cool to 45-50°C before pouring into sterile Petri dishes.
What are the expected results on LAI Agar?
Salmonella species typically produce a purple color due to lysine decarboxylation, often with black centers from hydrogen sulfide production. Other bacteria may yield different color reactions or no change.
Can I buy Lysine Arginine Iron Agar in bulk?
Yes, eqipped offers Lysine Arginine Iron Agar in 100 Gms and 500 Gms pack sizes. For larger quantities, contact our customer support for bulk ordering options.
Is LAI Agar suitable for educational purposes?
Absolutely. LAI Agar is commonly used in educational labs to teach bacterial identification techniques and metabolic pathways, making it ideal for students and educators.
