Agar, or agar-agar, is a jelly-like biopolymer synthesized by many red seaweeds as their major cell wall component. In nature, agar is a heterogenous polysaccharide composed of agarose and agaropectin polymers. It may come in several forms: powder, flakes, bars and threads. Agar has been extensively studied by scientists because of its ability to form gels. Agar gels are reversible (solidifies at 32-40°C and melts at 85°C) and translucent. The large difference between the gel formation temperature and the melting temperature gives the agar unique properties. The great gelling power, high hysteresis and perfect gel reversibility make agar widely used in a variety of applications. According to statistics, about 80% of agar is used for food, while the remaining 20% is mainly used for biotechnological or industrial purposes.
| Item | Food Grade Agar | Bacteriological Agar |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 9002-18-0 | 9002-18-0 |
| Catalog Number | MC9002180 | MC9002180 |
| Molecular Formula | (C12H18O9)n | (C12H18O9)n |
| Appearance | Creamy white powder/flakes/bars/threads | Creamy white powder/flakes/bars/threads |
| Grain Size | Customized | Customized |
| pH | 6-7 | 6-7 |
| Gel Strength | 500-1500 g/cm2 | 600-900 g/cm2 |
| Ash | ≤5% | - |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤3 ppm | ≤3 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤3 ppm | - |
| Turbidity | 20-40 NTU | - |
| Yeasts and Moulds | ≤500 CFU/g | - |
| Salmonella | Negative | Negative |
| Starch Test | Pass test | - |
Note: The parameters of the product can be adjusted according to your requirements.
Agar is a commonly used food additive. It has no taste or smell and is usually added to foods along with other ingredients. Common food applications for agar include the making of puddings, custards and jellies. In addition, it serves as a clarifying agent for brewing and wine making, and as a thickening agent for ice cream, pastries, desserts and salad dressing. Since agar cannot be digested in the gastrointestinal tract, it is also often used to prepare low-calorie dishes, such as canned meat and fish products.
Agar is regarded as an ideal candidate for the culture and propagation of micro-organisms in microbiology. In microbiology laboratories, researchers often make agar plates and agar slant tubes (agar-filled test tubes) to grow different types of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Agar is solid at room temperature and can be easily mixed with different nutrients that feed specific bacteria and inhibitors that prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria. Moreover, agar is indigestible for many organisms so that microbial growth does not affect the agar gel used and it remains stable.
In dentistry, agar is used to make dental impressions. In agricultural industry, agar is used as a neutral carrier for nutrients and growth substances. In pharmaceutical field, agar is used to treat obesity, diabetes, constipation, yellowing of the skin in infants (neonatal jaundice) and other diseases. In electrochemistry, agar is used to make salt bridges and gel plugs.
As a first-class supplier of marine biomaterials, we have experienced experts and professional R & D laboratories. We have the ability to offer our customers high quality agar. According to your requirements, we can also customize products with different parameters for you. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
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