Agar Agar
Used as a solidifying agent in microbiological culture media, typically at 12-20 g/L, and in plant tissue culture media. Its high gel strength, clarity, and low levels of inhibitory substances support consistent colony development and clear observation of growth and reactions.
- Category
- Other Ingredients
- pH (25 °C)
- 5.5 – 7.5
- Pack sizes
- 500 g · 5 kg · 25 kg
- Certifications
- ISO 22000 · Halal
Data updated：2026-11-06
Overview
A fine, off-white to light beige powder obtained by extraction and purification of the gelling polysaccharide from red seaweeds of the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. Composed mainly of agarose and agaropectin, it dissolves in boiling water and forms firm, clear gels on cooling to approximately 32-40°C, which remain stable until reheated to about 85°C. This wide thermal hysteresis allows culture media to be poured at 45-50°C and incubated at elevated temperatures without melting. Being of plant origin, it contains no animal-derived material.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| pH (1.5 %, 20°C) | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Moisture | ≤ 12.0 % |
| Gel Strength (1.5 %, 20°C) | ≥ 900 g/cm2 |
| Total Aerobic Microbial Count | ≤10 000 /g |
| Escherichia Coli | Absence / g |
| Salmonella | Absence / 25 g |
| Yeasts and Moulds | ≤ 300 /g |
Release specifications. Actual values are reported on the COA supplied with each batch.
Product highlights
- Food-grade raw materials, produced in an ISO 22000 certified facility
- Halal certified, suitable for the Malaysian, Indonesian, and Middle Eastern markets
- Available in 500 g / 5 kg / 25 kg, from laboratory to industrial scale
- COA, specification sheet, and technical data sheet available; samples on request
- Manufactured in Taiwan with reliable supply
Food grade versus laboratory grade
Most culture media suppliers use laboratory-grade raw materials, which are held to lower standards for heavy metal residues, microbial contamination control, and traceability. That is adequate for pure research but not for applications with stricter raw-material requirements. STBIO manufactures with food-grade raw materials throughout, in a facility certified to ISO 22000 food safety management.
- Food microbiology laboratories working to ISO 17025 or equivalent requirements
- Biotech manufacturers exporting fermentation products and needing full raw-material traceability
- Organisations with ESG or compliance audit requirements across their supply chain
- Companies sourcing both Halal and non-Halal products who need one consistent material grade
Frequently asked questions
01Can it be used for food-grade applications?
Yes. It is made from food-grade raw materials in an ISO 22000 certified facility and is suitable for culturing starters for fermented products that are consumed directly.
02How do I request a bulk quotation, and can you provide a COA?
Yes. This product is available in 500 g, 5 kg, 25 kg. Tell us your application and volume when requesting a quotation; we reply within one working day and can supply the COA, specification sheet, and technical data sheet.
Academic citation
Products from this range have been cited as the culture media source in a peer-reviewed study by a National Taiwan University research team:
Chan et al. (2024). Single-strain probiotics enhance growth, anti-pathogen immunity, and resistance to Nocardia seriolae in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) via gut microbiota modulation. Animal Microbiome, 6, 67. Springer Nature.
Media attribution: Tryptone Soy Broth, MRS medium, LB broth, beef extract, peptone, yeast extract, agar (STBIO, New Taipei, Taiwan)
Read the full paperUsed in published research and patents
- Method for producing triterpenoidsTW Patent Application 202545548 A 2025 · Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology · Published application, not yet grantedMalt Extract R2 and agar purchased from STBIO are used to prepare malt extract agar for activating the Antrodia cinnamomea strain in the examples.
- Publications