Maltose is a reducing sugar consisting of two glucose molecules joined by an α(1→4) glycosidic bond. In microbiology, it is frequently used to study the nutritional and fermentation profiles of various bacteria and fungi. When added to a base medium (such as Phenol Red Broth), the fermentation of maltose by a microorganism leads to the production of acid, which is visually detected by a change in the pH indicator's color. This product is manufactured to meet the rigorous quality standards required for consistent laboratory performance.
Advantages
- High Purity: Specified for microbiological applications with controlled levels of heavy metals and consistent hydration.
- Standardized Performance: Each batch is tested for suitability in microbiology to ensure reliable fermentation results.
- Easy Visualization: Provides clear, reproducible color transitions when used in media containing pH indicators.
- Versatile Nutrient: Acts as an essential energy source for the cultivation of a wide range of fastidious and non-fastidious organisms.
- Long-term Stability: The monohydrate form is stable and easy to handle in a laboratory setting.
Instructions for use
Dissolve the required amount of Maltose monohydrate in distilled or deionized water to reach the desired concentration (typically 5–10 g/L depending on the protocol). It is highly soluble in water (approx. 470 g/L). For use in culture media, add the sugar to a base medium before sterilization. Note: To prevent caramelization or excessive degradation of the sugar, sterilization should be performed by filtration or by autoclaving at a lower temperature/shorter time (e.g., 115 °C for 10–15 minutes) if possible. After inoculation, incubate at the temperature appropriate for the target microorganism.
Interpretation of Results
| Reaction |
Appearance (in Phenol Red Broth) |
Interpretation |
| Positive Fermentation |
Yellow color change |
Acid produced from maltose |
| Gas Production |
Bubble in Durham tube |
Gas produced during fermentation |
| Negative Result |
Remains red/orange |
No maltose fermentation |
Technical specifications
| Catalogue number |
1.05910 |
| Synonyms |
4-O-α-D-Glucopyranosyl-D-glucose, Malt sugar |
| CAS Number |
6363-53-7 |
| Molecular Formula |
C12H22O11 · H2O |
| Molar Mass |
360.31 g/mol |
| pH (at 20 °C, 50 g/L) |
4.5 – 6.0 |
| Storage Temperature |
+15 °C to +25 °C |
Available packaging options
| 1.05910.0500 |
500 g plastic bottle |