High grade EMB (eosin methylene blue) agar base is supplied by Micromaster. It is available in the form of a light pink to purple homogeneous free flowing powder which has a peptone-like odour. It has a pH in the range of 7.1 to 7.5. It contains a blend of two stains, eosin and methylene blue in the ratio of 6:1. For maximum efficiency, it must be stored below 30C in tightly closed container. EMB Agar Base is nothing but a modification of EMB Agar as it does not contain lactose. This enables the medium to be used as a basal agar, which can be supplemented by desired carbohydrates to differentiate between various enteric bacteria.

Quantity provided: 500 g/pack

EMB agar base is used for the detection, enumeration and differentiation of members of the coliform group. It is also used as a differential microbiological medium, which slightly inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria and provides a colour indicator distinguishing between organisms that ferment lactose (e.g., E. coli) and those that do not (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella). The presence of Eosin-Y and methylene blue makes the medium slightly selective and inhibits certain gram-positive bacteria. These dyes are used to differentiate between lactose fermenters and non-fermenters. Vigorous fermenters of lactose or sucrose will produce quantities of acid sufficient to form the dark purple dye complex whereas non-fermenters produce colourless colonies. Peptone acts as source of carbon, nitrogen, and other essential growth nutrients. Eosin-Y and methylene blue serve as differential indicators. Phosphate is used as a buffer for the medium.