Nitrate Broth is formulated to test the ability of an organism to reduce nitrate (NO₃) to nitrite (NO₂) or further to free nitrogen gas (N₂). The medium contains Beef Extract and Gelatin Peptone, which provide the necessary nitrogenous compounds, vitamins, and minerals for bacterial growth. Potassium Nitrate serves as the substrate for the nitrate reductase enzyme. After incubation, the presence of nitrite is detected by adding specific reagents (Sulfanilic acid and α-naphthylamine). If the organism has reduced nitrate to nitrite, a red color develops. If no color change occurs, Zinc dust is added to determine if the nitrate remains unreduced or if it was further reduced to gaseous nitrogen.
Advantages
- Critical Diagnostic Tool: A standard biochemical test used in the identification schemes for Gram-negative enteric and non-enteric bacilli.
- High Sensitivity: Optimized to detect even low levels of nitrate reductase activity in a variety of bacterial species.
- Clear Results: Provides distinct color changes when used with the appropriate reagents, simplifying the interpretation of metabolic activity.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for use in clinical diagnostics, water quality analysis, and food microbiology.
- Nutrient Balanced: Supports the growth of a wide range of microorganisms while maintaining the integrity of the nitrate substrate.
Technical specifications
| Catalogue number |
1281 |
| Brand |
Condalab |
| Application |
Determination of nitrate reduction in microorganisms |
| Typical Composition (g/L) |
Beef Extract (3.0); Gelatin Peptone (5.0); Potassium Nitrate (1.0) |
| Final pH (at 25 °C) |
7.0 ± 0.2 |
| Preparation |
9.0 g/L |
| Storage Temperature |
2 – 25 °C |
Available packaging options
| 1281 |
500 g plastic bottle |
