BCP Agar is a modification of the classic MacConkey Agar but without bile salts, making it suitable for the growth of a wider variety of organisms, including fastidious Gram-positive bacteria. The medium contains a nutrient base of Peptone Mixture and Beef Extract, which provides the necessary nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals. Lactose is the fermentable carbohydrate. The differentiation is achieved through the pH indicator Bromocresol Purple. Microorganisms that ferment lactose produce organic acids, lowering the pH of the medium and changing the color of the colonies and the surrounding agar from purple to yellow. Non-lactose fermenters utilize the peptones in the medium, raising the pH and causing the medium to remain purple or turn a deeper shade of violet.
Advantages
- Clear Differentiation: The bright yellow color change for lactose-positive colonies allows for immediate visual identification.
- Versatile Growth: Absence of inhibitory agents (like bile salts or dyes) allows for the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- Presumptive Coliform Detection: Ideal for monitoring food and water quality where a general count of lactose-fermenting bacteria is required.
- Stable Indicator: Bromocresol purple provides a sharper and more stable color contrast compared to neutral red in many applications.
- Multi-purpose: Can be used as a general-purpose medium for the maintenance of cultures or as a base for further specialized testing.
Technical specifications
| Catalogue number |
1051 |
| Brand |
Condalab |
| Application |
Differentiation of bacteria based on lactose fermentation |
| Typical Composition (g/L) |
Peptone Mixture (5.0); Beef Extract (3.0); Lactose (10.0); Bromocresol Purple (0.02); Bacteriological Agar (15.0) |
| Final pH (at 25 °C) |
7.0 ± 0.2 |
| Preparation |
33.02 g/L |
| Storage Temperature |
2 – 25 °C |
Available packaging options
| 1051 |
500 g plastic bottle |
