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Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ BiGGY Agar (Nickerson Medium) (Dehydrated), 500g
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Selective Medium for Isolation and Presumptive Identification of Candida Species
Specifications:
| Application | Clinical microbiology | ||
| Storage Temperature | Ambient | ||
| Product Type | Culture Medium | Forms | Powder |
| Product Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific™, Oxoid | ||
| Product Grade | Microbiology grade | ||
Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ BiGGY Agar (Nickerson Medium) is a selective and differential medium formulated for the isolation and presumptive identification of Candida species, including Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, from clinical and environmental samples.
BiGGY Agar — Bismuth Sulphite Glucose Glycine Yeast Agar — is based on the formulation developed by Nickerson (1953). The medium contains bismuth sulphite and glycine, which impart selectivity by inhibiting bacterial contaminants and producing distinct colony coloration patterns that aid in Candida differentiation.
This medium is widely used in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical quality control, and cosmetic product testing, providing reliable recovery and differentiation of Candida spp., including azole-resistant non-albicans strains.
Key Features
- Selective and Differential Medium: Contains bismuth sulphite complex to suppress bacterial growth and promote Candida isolation.
- Distinct Colony Morphology: Enables presumptive identification of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and related species through characteristic color and texture.
- Clinical and Industrial Relevance: Recommended for the quality assessment of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, as well as clinical samples (sputum, vaginal smears, etc.).
- Supports Detection of Non-albicans Candida spp. associated with antifungal resistance.
- Reliable Performance: Complies with standard microbiological testing protocols and quality control procedures.
- Part of Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ line—trusted for consistent, high-quality dehydrated culture media.
Principle of the Medium
BiGGY Agar differentiates Candida species based on their ability to reduce bismuth sulphite and form distinct pigmentations:
- Candida albicans typically forms brown to black colonies, due to strong reduction activity.
- Candida tropicalis produces smooth to wrinkled brownish colonies.
- Other Candida species exhibit variable color tones, aiding in presumptive identification.
The bismuth sulphite complex inhibits bacterial contaminants, while glucose provides a carbon source, and yeast extract supplies nitrogen, vitamins, and growth factors necessary for fungal proliferation.
Applications
- Isolation and differentiation of Candida spp. from clinical specimens (e.g., sputum, vaginal smears).
- Detection of Candida contamination in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
- Research use in medical mycology, antifungal drug testing, and environmental monitoring.
- Recommended for quality control testing in compliance with the Code of Good Practice for the Toiletry and Cosmetic Industry (1975).
Preparation and Use
- Suspend the recommended amount of BiGGY Agar powder (as indicated on label) in distilled or deionized water.
- Heat with gentle stirring until completely dissolved.
- Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes.
- Mix well and pour into sterile Petri dishes.
- Allow to solidify and dry before inoculation.
- Inoculate specimens and incubate under aerobic conditions at 30–37°C for 24–48 hours.
Interpretation of Results
| Organism | Typical Colony Appearance |
|---|---|
| Candida albicans | Brown to black colonies |
| Candida tropicalis | Brown to smooth wrinkled colonies |
| Other Candida spp. | Variable pigmentation |
| Non-Candida flora | Inhibited |
Quality Control
| Test Organism | Expected Result |
|---|---|
| Candida albicans | Brown to black colonies |
| Candida tropicalis | Brownish colonies |
| Escherichia coli | Inhibited |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Inhibited |
Typical Composition (per litre)
(proprietary ratios based on Nickerson formulation)
- Bismuth Sulphite – Selective agent and differential indicator
- Glucose – Fermentable carbohydrate
- Glycine – Nitrogen and carbon source
- Yeast Extract – Vitamins and growth factors
- Agar – Solidifying agent
- Final pH: 6.8 ± 0.2 at 25°C
Storage and Stability
- Store dehydrated medium at 10–30°C in a dry environment, tightly closed.
- Protect from moisture, light, and excessive heat.
- Prepared plates should be stored at 2–8°C and used within the recommended shelf life.
- Do not use if clumping, discoloration, or contamination is observed.
Ordering Information
| Catalog Number | Product Name | Form | Quantity | Yield | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM0589B | Thermo Scientific™ BiGGY Agar (Nickerson Medium) (Dehydrated) | Powder | 500 g | 11.9 L of prepared medium | 10–30°C |
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Selective and Differential Agar Medium |
| Target Organisms | Candida species |
| Form | Dehydrated Powder |
| Color (Prepared Medium) | Light brown |
| Reaction (pH at 25°C) | 6.8 ± 0.2 |
| Yield | 11.9 L per 500 g |
| Unit Size | Each |
| For Laboratory Use Only | Yes |
References
- Nickerson, W. J. (1953). J. Infect. Dis. 93: 43–56.
- Sheehan, D. J. et al. (1999). Current and Emerging Azole Antifungal Agents. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 12(1): 40–79.
- Barr, F. S. & Collins, G. F. (1966). South. Med. J. 59: 694–697.
- Haley, L. D. (1959). Trans. N.Y. Acad. Sci. Series II.
- Mendel, E. B. et al. (1960). Obstet. & Gynec. 16: 180–184.
- Code of Good Practice for the Toiletry and Cosmetic Industry (1975).
The Thermo Scientific™ BiGGY Agar (Nickerson Medium) provides a highly selective and differential environment for isolating and presumptively identifying Candida species in clinical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical samples. Its bismuth sulphite-based selectivity and distinct colony pigmentation make it an invaluable medium for mycological quality control and diagnostic use in modern microbiology laboratories.