What is the difference between Bacteriological Agar, Pharmaceutical Agar, and USP Grade Agar?

The gel strength specifications for bacteriological agar and pharmaceutical agar differ slightly at their extreme ends, however, there is a wide overlap in the middle range. The specifications for these two agars also call for minor differences in the types of QC tests. Functionally, many bacteriological and pharmaceutical agars falling within the middle range of gel strength are interchangeable. USP agar conforms to the US Pharmacopeia Standard, and for most applications, bacteriological and/or pharmaceutical agar are sufficient.

What is Purified Agar? Noble Agar?

Purified Agar, also known as Noble Agar, is a highly purified specialty agar, practically clear and devoid of any nutritive value or reactive properties by design. Purified agar is typically used in immunodiffusion studies as well as in the fields of animal and plant cell culture.

What is the difference between bacteriological agar and food grade agar?

Bacteriological agar and food grade agar are respectively obtained from the gelidium and gracelaria species of seaweed. Both seaweeds are red species, however, gelidium grows in much more limited habitats and is consequently more costly than gracelaria. Attempts to grow bacteria on food grade agar (gracelaria) have been generally unsuccessful.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Our standard packaging is a 25kg sack.

How do I order samples?

Contact your sales representative to request samples. Usually, the sample size is 50g.

What is the maximum lot size?

The maximum lot size is 1,000kg.

What is the shelf life of agar?

Properly stored, agar can last up to 4 years.

What is the lead-time for an order?

It depends on the volume of agar you require. Please contact your sales representative.

In an exciting blend of nature and fashion, the textile industry is embracing more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices by utilizing biodegradable raw materials in clothing, thereby reducing pollution caused by the industry.

One of the increasingly utilized biodegradable materials is agar extracted from algae as an innovative raw material. Leading companies in the textile industry are embracing this ocean treasure to create stylish and conscientious garments.

Unlike other synthetic ingredients such as nylon or polyester, they are eco-friendly and sustainable because they are biodegradable.

One of the benefits of the new use of algae in the fashion industry is their reproducibility since, unlike many traditional textile resources, algae are a renewable source that does not deplete the earth’s resources, making it a more energy and resource-efficient production process.

More and more designers are starting to explore and design with agar-agar, creating various accessories like bracelets, watch straps, earrings, or sneakers. Additionally, in many cases, the packaging they use to sell their products is also made of agar.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, algae are becoming a cornerstone of transformation in the textile industry. Agarmex has decades of experience in algae collection and agar extraction, with a deep understanding of its application and usage.

The genus Gelidium is a red algae that belongs to the Rhodophytas family, characterized by its strong regenerative capacity due to its vegetative growth. 

 For the extraction of this algae from the sea, we use two methods that are complementary, sustainable, safe and that have been legally regulated and employed for decades. These are the picking method and the upwelling method. 

The algae extracted by the picking method are collected from the seabed by professional divers during specific periods and in quantities regulated by the public administration. The harvesting period is from June 1 to October 31 (or earlier if the algae are depleted). 

The algae extracted by this picking method are free of impurities and are the most suitable for the manufacture of bacteriological agar and for use in microbiological media. 

In contrast, the Gelidium algae extracted by the upwelling method do not have a harvesting period and are detached by the action of the sea to make way for a new harvest and remain suspended on the seabed, mature. 

Agarmex acquires algae from the genus Gelidium that have been harvested using both methods for their later sale depending on their various uses. 

These algae extraction methods and the different uses of each agar have both existed for decades and will continue to survive through the regulation of the competent authorities, and through Agarmex’s environmental commitment to the sustainability of resources since 1970.