Description
Carbenicillin Disodium is a superior β-lactam antibiotic optimized for molecular biology and plant transformation research. More chemically stable than ampicillin, it delivers consistent plasmid selection with reduced satellite colony formation and extended antibiotic activity in liquid or solid media.
Its compatibility with plant regeneration systems also makes it a preferred reagent for post-transformation Agrobacterium elimination. From recombinant bacterial expression to clean in vitro culture, GoldBio’s Carbenicillin Disodium ensures reproducibility and reliability across diverse laboratory workflows.
TESTED AGAINST BOTH SENSITIVE AND RESISTANT CELLS.
Functional Highlights and Mechanism
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Carbenicillin is a β-lactam antibiotic: it contains the characteristic four-membered β-lactam ring fused to a thiazolidine ring. This structure distorts the amide bond, making it reactive toward penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
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In sensitive bacterial cells, carbenicillin inhibits PBPs that are responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycan in the cell wall. Without this cross-linking the cell wall weakens and the bacterium undergoes lysis.
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Because carbenicillin disodium is more stable than ampicillin (less degradation/hydrolysis in solution), it provides longer selective pressure, leading to fewer satellite colonies and more reliable plasmid retention during bacterial growth.
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In plant transformation systems, carbenicillin is frequently used post-transformation to eliminate bacterial (e.g., **Agrobacterium tumefaciens) cells without severely affecting plant regeneration, leveraging its selective activity and increased stability.
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Because the GoldBio formulation is USP Grade, it is intended for research-use only, supporting downstream applications in molecular cloning, expression, and selection workflows with minimal variability.
Recommended Applications and Usage Notes
Recommended Applications
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Use in bacterial cloning workflows for selection of plasmids carrying β-lactamase (Amp^R) genes, especially when longer culture times or high density are required.
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Use in recombinant protein expression systems where maintaining plasmid integrity across overnight or large-scale cultures is critical.
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Use in plant molecular biology for elimination of Agrobacterium or other Gram-negative contaminants post transformation, with minimal impact on plant tissue regeneration.
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Use in any lab workflow where reduced satellite colony formation on antibiotic plates is advantageous (for example colony screening, transformation efficiency assays).
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Use in mixed antibiotic regimes or when upgrading from ampicillin to a more stable β-lactam antibiotic to improve selection consistency.
Usage Tips and Considerations
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Prepare fresh antibiotic stock solutions as recommended (e.g., dissolve in water, sterile filter, aliquot, freeze if necessary) and label appropriately.
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Because carbenicillin has improved stability, it enables longer incubation periods; still validate optimal antibiotic concentration for your strain/selection marker (commonly 50–200 µg/mL, though you should confirm for your plasmid/host).
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In plate-based selections, fewer satellite colonies are expected compared to ampicillin due to slower antibiotic degradation — this improves accuracy during colony picking.
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When using in plant tissue culture, verify that your plant species and regeneration protocol tolerate the antibiotic concentration used; though carbenicillin is commonly used, dosages and regeneration sensitivities vary.
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Store powder desiccated at −20 °C (or as specified by lot COA). Avoid repeated thermal cycling or moisture exposure, which may reduce activity.
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Because this product is labelled “USP Grade” intended for research, not for clinical use — ensure your use aligns with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
Common Research Applications
(Click each for more information)
Plasmid-Based Selection in E. coli
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Purpose: Selects E. coli carrying plasmids with β-lactamase resistance genes (e.g., AmpR).
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How It Works: Carbenicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Unlike ampicillin, it is chemically more stable in aqueous solution, providing consistent selective pressure and reducing plasmid loss over time.
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Applications: Molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, plasmid propagation.
Kołek, M., Frański, R., & Frańska, M. (2019). Hydrolysis of Penicillin G and Carbenicillin in Pure Water – As Studied by HPLC/ESI-MS. Mass Spectrometry Letters, 10(4), 108–111.
Reduction of Satellite Colony Formation
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Purpose: Minimizes formation of false-positive colonies on selection plates.
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How It Works: Carbenicillin's slower degradation prevents β-lactamase-mediated diffusion zones and reduces satellite colony growth.
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Applications: Transformation screening and colony picking.
Stable Selection in Long-Term or High-Volume Liquid Cultures
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Purpose: Maintains selective pressure during overnight or scaled-up bacterial cultures.
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How It Works: Carbenicillin resists hydrolysis and thermal degradation more effectively than ampicillin, leading to improved plasmid retention.
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Applications: Fermentation, overnight growth, large-batch recombinant protein production.
Kołek, M., Frański, R., & Frańska, M. (2019). Hydrolysis of Penicillin G and Carbenicillin in Pure Water – As Studied by HPLC/ESI-MS. Mass Spectrometry Letters, 10(4), 108–111.
Post-Transformation Elimination of Agrobacterium
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Purpose: Clears Agrobacterium tumefaciens from plant tissue after transformation.
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How It Works: Selectively inhibits Gram-negative bacteria while minimizing phytotoxicity in plant explants.
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Applications: Used in Arabidopsis, chrysanthemum, papaya, and other plant transformation protocols.
Yu, T.-A., Yeh, S.-D., & Yang, J.-S. (2001). Effects of carbenicillin and cefotaxime on callus growth and somatic embryogenesis from adventitious roots of papaya (Carica papaya L.). Botanical Bulletin of Academia Sinica, 42(4), 281–286.
Control of Gram-Negative Contaminants in Tissue Culture
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Purpose: Maintains axenic conditions in vitro without harming plant cells.
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How It Works: Suppresses Gram-negative bacteria while supporting shoot regeneration and embryogenesis.
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Applications: Somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, micropropagation.
Shehata, A. M., Wannarat, W., Skirvin, R. M., & Norton, M. A. (2010). The dual role of carbenicillin in shoot regeneration and somatic embryogenesis of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) in vitro. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 102, 397–402.
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