Lactobacillus MRS Agar – Selective Medium for Lactic Acid Bacteria

Lactobacillus MRS Agar (de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe Agar) is a specialized microbiological growth medium formulated for the cultivation, isolation, and enumeration of Lactobacillus species and other lactic acid bacteria (LAB). It is widely used in food microbiology, dairy industry testing, pharmaceutical research, and academic laboratories to study probiotic organisms and fermentation processes.

Composition & Characteristics

MRS Agar contains essential nutrients and selective agents that promote the growth of lactic acid bacteria while inhibiting unwanted organisms. Its formulation includes:

• Peptone & Meat Extracts: Provide nitrogen, amino acids, and growth factors.
• Dextrose (Glucose): Main energy source for lactic acid bacteria.
• Yeast Extract: Supplies vitamins, particularly B-group vitamins, essential for Lactobacillus growth.
• Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80): Enhances nutrient uptake.
• Sodium Acetate & Ammonium Citrate: Selectively inhibit competing microbes.
• Magnesium & Manganese Salts: Act as growth simulators for Lactobacillus.
• Agar Base: Solidifying agent for plate preparation.

The medium is slightly opaque, cream to light brown in colour, and supports strong colony development of Lactobacillus.

Key Features

• Selective Growth: Specifically supports Lactobacillus and lactic acid bacteria growth.
• Reliable Results: Standardised composition ensures reprehensibility.
• Widely Accepted: Recommended in microbiological standards for food and dairy testing.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for research, quality control, and industrial microbiology.
• Easy Preparation: Supplied in dehydrated powder form for quick medium preparation.

Applications of Lactobacillus MRS Agar

• Food & Dairy Industry: Detection of Lactobacillus in milk, yogurt, cheese, and fermented products.
• Probiotic Research: Isolation and enumeration of beneficial bacteria.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in probiotic formulation studies and quality control.
• Microbiology Education: Commonly used in teaching labs for studying microbial growth.
• Industrial Fermentation: Monitoring microbial flora in fermentation processes.

Preparation Method

• Suspend the required quantity of MRS Agar powder in distilled water (as per manufacturer’s instructions).
• Heat to dissolve completely.
• Sterilise by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes.
• Pour into sterile Petri dishes under aseptic conditions.
• Inoculate and incubate at the recommended temperature (usually 30–37°C).

Availability in Bangladesh

At Labtex Bangladesh (Labtexbd.com), we supply premium-grade Lactobacillus MRS Agar in dehydrated powder form, suitable for laboratory, industrial, and academic use. Our products are sourced from trusted brands to ensure accuracy, consistency, and cost-effectiveness for microbiological research and testing.

✅ Order Lactobacillus MRS Agar today from Labtex Bangladesh for accurate, reliable, and affordable microbiological culture media.