Assessment of Culture Media in Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Culture media is of fundamental importance for most microbiological tests: to obtain pure cultures, to grow and count microbial cells, and to cultivate and select microorganisms. Without high-quality media, the possibility of achieving accurate, reproducible, and repeatable microbiological test results is reduced. A microbiological culture medium is a substance that encourages the growth, support, and survival of microorganisms. 


Culture media contains nutrients, growth promoting factors, energy sources, buffer salts, minerals, metals, and gelling agents (for solid media). Culture media has been used by microbiologists since the nineteenth century. Even with the increased use of rapid methods the majority of techniques found in the pharmaceutical quality control laboratory require growth media. For the assessment of culture media, no one definitive standard exists. In light of this, this article presents some considerations for designing the testing regime and for the selection and control of microorganisms.

This is the basis of a new article by Tim Sandle for American Pharmaceutical Review, addressing issues relating to microbiological culture media.

To view the article see APR.



Posted by Tim Sandle