HC Agar Base Condalab 2001

HC Agar Base used with Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) is used for the enumeration of moulds in cosmetics. The formulation of HC Agar decreased incubation time to 3 days at 27.5 ± 0.5 ºC. The formulation of HC Agar Base is supplemented with Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) to prepare HC Agar.

Dextrose is the fermentable carbohydrate providing carbon and energy. Yeast extract is source of vitamins, particularly the B-group essential for bacterial growth. Peptones provide nitrogen, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids essential for growth. Magnesium sulphate is a magnesium ion required in a big variation of enzymatic reactions, including DNA replication. The phosphates buffer the pH near neutrality. Ammonium Chloride provides essential ions. Sodium carbonate inactivates low levels of preservatives that are active at at acidic pH. Chloramphenicol inhibits bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcenses, potential contaminats of cosmetics products. Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) is incorporated to neutralize phenols, hexachlorophene, formalin that may be present in residual amounts from products. Agar is the solidifying agent.