Researchers usually encounter two problems when working with gelling agents. They are clumping, and vitrification.

Clumping is fairly understood. Clumping occurs when clumps of gelling particles are formed.

Vitrification, or hyperhyricity, occurs when the culture media has excessive hydration.


Troubleshooting gelling agent clumping:

When clumping occurs, the gelling agent's outer molecules become hydrated with the medium, and a surface layer forms, preventing the medium from penetrating and mixing efficiently with the agent.

Clumping also makes it challenging to get a uniform solid media.

To avoid clumping:

  • Mix your gelling agent quickly and thoroughly with the help of a magnet stir while preparing your culture media.
  • Heat can help to minimize the production of clumps.
  • If the analysis is not affected, add glycerin to reduce clump formation.


Troubleshooting gelling agent vitrification:

A result of vitrification can be that plants become bright, watery, and have a glassy appearance, affecting the normal in vitro plant development. Another consequence of vitrification is increased humidity inside your container, which may promote contamination.

The concentration of your gelling agent influences the vitrification process.

To avoid vitrification:

  • Increase the gelling agent concentration, which reduces the water retention.
  • Using lids that allow air transfer may favor the reduction in vitrification by reducing the humidity.


Preparing GoldBio Gelling Agents

How to prepare plant agar:

Gel strength: >1100 g/cm2

Applications: Tissue culture and general purpose

Catalog number: P1001

Instructions:

  • Add plant agar to the media and mix at the desired concentration (minimum concentration of 5.5 g/L).
  • Autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes.
  • Pour the media into your desired containers when the temperature is over 40°C to avoid premature solidification.
  • Seal the containers and store.

How to prepare micro agar:

Gel strength: >900 g/cm2

Applications: Plant cell and tissue culture and microbiological work.

Catalog number: M1002

Instructions:

  • Use in a minimal concentration of 5.0 g/L to obtain a solid gel.
  • Autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes.
  • Pour the media into your desired containers when the temperature is over 40°C to avoid premature solidification.
  • Seal the containers and store.

How to prepare phyto agar:

Gel strength: 950-1050 g/cm2

Applications: Plant tissue culture. This agar has few impurities.

Catalog number: P1003

Instructions:

  • Use in a minimal concentration of 5.0 g/L to obtain a solid gel.
  • Autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes.
  • Pour the media into your desired containers when the temperature is over 40°C to avoid premature solidification.
  • Seal the containers and store.

How to prepare Duchefa gelrite:

Gel strength: 400 - 700 g/cm2

Applications: Plant tissue culture and microbiological work. Solidifies in the presence of soluble salts like Mg2+ and Ca2+.

Catalog number: G1101

Instructions:

  • Use in a concentration of 2.0 g/L to obtain a solid gel.
  • Autoclave at 121°C for 20 minutes.
  • Pour the media into your desired containers when the temperature is over 40°C to avoid premature solidification.
  • Seal the containers and store.


 

References

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