Liofilchem® Corn Meal Agar

Liofilchem® Corn Meal Agar is a specialized mycological culture medium designed for the cultivation of fungi and for the identification of Candida albicans through the demonstration of chlamydospore production. It is widely used in clinical microbiology, medical mycology, teaching laboratories, and research settings as a reliable and well-established diagnostic medium.

The formulation provides a nutrient-limited environment that promotes characteristic fungal morphology rather than excessive growth, making it particularly effective for differentiating Candida albicans from other yeast species.

Principle of the Medium

Corn Meal Agar supports fungal growth while encouraging diagnostic morphological features:

• Corn meal infusion supplies essential amino acids, nitrogen, vitamins, minerals, and carbon sources required for fungal metabolism.
• Agar acts as the solidifying agent.
• The relatively low nutrient content favors chlamydospore formation, especially in Candida albicans.

Optional enhancements:

• Addition of 1% Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) may increase chlamydospore production.
• Addition of 1% dextrose can promote more luxuriant growth of some fungal species when required.

Applications

• Cultivation of yeasts and filamentous fungi
• Demonstration of chlamydospore formation by Candida albicans
• Differentiation of Candida albicans from non-albicans Candida species
• Clinical mycology diagnostics
• Teaching and training in medical microbiology

Typical Composition (g/L)

• Corn Meal Infusion (from 50 g whole maize): 2.0
• Agar: 15.0
• Final pH: 6.0 ± 0.2 at 25 °C

Preparation

1. Suspend 17 g of dehydrated medium in 1 liter of distilled or deionized water.
2. Heat to boiling with frequent agitation until completely dissolved.
3. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool and dispense into sterile Petri dishes.

Test Procedure

• Using a sterile inoculating needle or loop, touch the yeast colony and make a deep cut into the agar.
• Place a sterile coverslip over the inoculation line.
• Incubate aerobically at 25 ± 2 °C for 2–7 days.
• Some Candida species may require up to 14 days for chlamydospore development.

Interpretation of Results

• Examine daily under low-power microscopy through the coverslip.
• Observe growth characteristics, pigmentation, and chlamydospore formation.

Quality Control Performance

Appearance

• Dehydrated medium: Free-flowing, homogeneous, beige to yellow powder
• Prepared medium: Slightly hazy, grey to yellow-white

Storage & Shelf Life

• Dehydrated medium: Store at 10–30 °C in a dry environment, tightly closed
• Prepared plates: Store at 10–25 °C, protected from light
• Shelf life:
  • Dehydrated medium: 4 years
  • Ready-to-use plates: 6 months

Available Formats

Liofilchem® Corn Meal Agar is a trusted and diagnostically relevant mycological medium for the cultivation of fungi and the identification of Candida albicans through chlamydospore formation. Its consistent performance, clear morphology, and suitability for clinical and educational use make it an essential component of medical mycology and microbiology laboratories.