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1026 WL Differential Agar, Condalab

1026 Condalab

WL (Wallerstein Laboratory) Differential Agar is a selective medium used for the detection and enumeration of bacteria in the presence of yeasts and molds. It is widely employed in the brewing and fermentation industries to monitor plant hygiene and control the quality of fermentation processes by identifying bacterial contaminants that may affect the final product.

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The formulation of WL Differential Agar is based on the WL Nutrient Agar base but with the addition of Actidione (Cycloheximide). The Casein Peptone and Yeast Extract provide essential nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals. Glucose serves as the primary fermentable carbohydrate. The medium contains a rich blend of salts (Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Iron) to support diverse bacterial metabolism. Bromocresol Green acts as a pH indicator, shifting from blue-green to yellow as acids are produced. The key feature of this "Differential" version is the inclusion of Actidione, which strongly inhibits the growth of yeasts and molds. This allows for the selective isolation of brewery-contaminating bacteria, such as Lactic Acid Bacteria, Acetic Acid Bacteria, and Pediococcus species, which might otherwise be overgrown by the fermentation yeast.

Advantages

  • Selective for Bacteria: Effectively suppresses the growth of Saccharomyces and other yeasts, making it ideal for detecting bacterial "spoilers" in yeast-heavy environments.
  • Visual Differentiation: The pH indicator Bromocresol Green allows for easy identification of acid-producing bacteria through color changes in the colonies and surrounding medium.
  • Industry Standard: A classic medium for the "Wallerstein" technique used globally in brewing, winemaking, and distilling laboratories.
  • Rich Nutrient Profile: Supports the growth of fastidious organisms common in the fermentation industry.
  • Reliable Quality Control: Enables the monitoring of industrial hygiene by specifically targeting the flora that survives fermentation conditions.

Technical specifications

Catalogue number 1026
Brand Condalab
Application Selective isolation of bacteria in fermentation processes
Typical Composition (g/L) Glucose (50.0); Casein Peptone (5.0); Yeast Extract (4.0); Monopotassium Phosphate (0.55); Potassium Chloride (0.425); Calcium Chloride (0.125); Magnesium Sulfate (0.125); Ferric Chloride (0.0025); Manganese Sulfate (0.0025); Bromocresol Green (0.022); Actidione (0.004); Bacteriological Agar (20.0)
Final pH (at 25 °C) 5.5 ± 0.2
Preparation 80.25 g/L
Storage Temperature 2 – 25 °C

Available packaging options

1026 500 g plastic bottle
Brand Condalab
Pack size 500 g