FAQs

Is bacteriological agar the same as pure agarose?

No, bacteriological agar and agarose are distinct commercial products with different chemical purity standards. Bacteriological agar is a highly refined but complete agar extract containing both agarose (the gelling fraction) and a controlled, low percentage of agaropectin (the charged fraction), with a sulfate content typically under 1.0% and ash under 3.0%. Agarose is an premium derivative isolated by completely removing the agaropectin fraction through solvent fractionation or physical precipitation. Pure agarose exhibits near-zero sulfate content ( 0.15%), minimal ash (0.5%), and specialized electroendosmosis (EEO) ratings, making it exclusive to molecular biology applications like DNA/RNA gel electrophoresis.