Description
Malt Extract Agar (MEA)
What is MEA?
Malt Extract Agar Mix is a gelatinous medium commonly utilized for the cultivation, isolation, and manipulation of fungi, yeast, and molds. It is also employed for the long-term maintenance of mushroom cultures. Applications of MEA include:
- Germinating spores
- Isolating specific strains of mushrooms
Why use Malt Extract Agar Yeast for growing mushroom culture?
Malt Extract
Malt extract is rich in maltose, creating an optimal environment for the growth of yeast and mold. This is due to its substantial content of carbon, protein, and nitrogenous compounds, which provide essential energy for fungi growth.
Agar-Agar
Agar-Agar, derived from various seaweeds such as gracilaria and gelidium, contains no animal ingredients. Known for its unique gel properties and stability, it is utilized as a firming and thickening agent in Petri dish experimentation.
Please note that MEA differs from MYA as it consists of Malt Extract and Agar only, without yeast.
For more information, visit ourPre-Poured Agar Plates section and become an expert.
Quantity Specifications:
These quantities are measured for 60*15mm size Petri dishes: The number of plates produced can vary based on pouring techniques; we recommend using just enough mixture to cover the surface of the Petri dish.
- 21 gm makes 35 Agar Plates (Use 500ml of hot water)
- 42 gm makes 70 Agar Plates (Use 1000ml of hot water)
- 63 gm makes 105 Agar Plates (Use 1500ml of hot water)
- 84 gm makes 140 Agar Plates (Use 2000ml of hot water)
- 168 gm makes 280 Agar Plates (Use 4000ml of hot water)
*Petri dish is not included.
Instructions
Dissolve your MEA packet in the specified amount of hot water and stir thoroughly. If using a magnetic stirrer, it will mix the solution adequately. Pour the solution gradually to avoid creating air bubbles. Autoclave or pressure cook the solution for 15 minutes at 15 psi. Pour into Petri dishes at about 50 degrees Celsius (when the flask/jar is cool enough to handle with one hand) and allow to set for 10 minutes. Avoid stirring after autoclaving to prevent air bubbles. After the Petri dishes have set, inoculate them and seal with parafilm. It’s advisable to keep the plates aside for a week to check for contamination. Petri dishes should be stored upside down to prevent condensation.
Lacking a pressure cooker? No worries; message us, and we’ll provide detailed microwave sterilization instructions with your purchase. Check our listing Make Agar Plates to see what you need. Initially, you’ll need a Reagent Bottle: a 500ml bottle for microwave use or a 1000ml bottle for a sterilizer.
We have successfully used this Mix to conduct various experiments in our lab.
Explore our other listings for Pre Mixes. We also offer additional Mushroom-Growing Equipment.
