• This agar when added to a Sterile Petri Dish, can be used to culture bacteria and other microorganisms as well as small plants.
  
   
• To use:
  • Dissolve this agar powder in 450 ml (just over two cups) of sterile distilled water (you can purchase distilled water from most grocery stores). This quantity is enough to make about 20 Petri Dishes depending on the size of the dish. Mix less if you only have a few dishes to prepare.
  • Bring the liquid to a "rolling" boil for at least 1 minute. 
  • Allow to cool about 10 - 15 minutes to approximately 45 - 50 degrees C (113 - 122 degrees F).  Note: if you do use a thermometer be sure that it is sterile before you put it in the hot agar mixture.
  • Pour a small amount into the bottom of a sterile Petri dish to cover the bottom of the dish about 5 mm (just over 1/8") deep, tipping the dish from side to side to completely cover the bottom.   Be sure to put the cover of the dish on immediately.
  • Allow the liquid agar to cool on a counter-top and set up until it is firm like gelatin.  This may take 30 to 120 minutes, depending on your room temperature.  Storing the dishes in a refrigerator (after they have cooled a bit) for a few hours or over night will firm up the agar even more.   The plates are now ready to use or store for later use.  If stored, keep in a refrigerator upside down.  They can be stored this way up to a few months.  When you want to use them, be sure to allow them to return to room temperature before use. 

Additional Information

Check out our instructions showing how to grow bacteria. 

Click here to view a MSDS information sheet about this item.