Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ PALCAM Agar Base (Dehydrated)

The Thermo Scientific™ Oxoid™ PALCAM Agar Base (Dehydrated) is a selective medium designed for the detection and isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from food samples. This medium employs a double indicator system to facilitate the easy differentiation of Listeria monocytogenes based on aesculin hydrolysis, lack of mannitol fermentation, and resulting pH changes. It is ideal for food microbiology applications and complies with several industrial standards.

Key Features

1. Selective and Specific:
   • Incorporates lithium chloride, ceftazidime, polymyxin B, and acriflavine hydrochloride to selectively inhibit non-Listeria flora.
2. Double Indicator System:
   • Aesculin and ferrous iron: Detects aesculin hydrolysis, forming a black halo around L. monocytogenes colonies.
   • Mannitol and phenol red: Differentiates contaminants like enterococci and staphylococci by detecting mannitol fermentation, resulting in yellow colonies.
3. Easy-to-Interpret Results:
   • Listeria monocytogenes: Brown/black colonies with a black halo.
   • Mannitol-positive flora (e.g., staphylococci, enterococci): Yellow colonies.
4. Proven Efficacy:
   • Based on the formulation described by Van Netten et al. (1989), widely recognized for isolating Listeria monocytogenes from food samples.

Specifications

Applications

1. Food Safety Testing:
   • Isolation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes from raw and processed food samples.
2. Quality Assurance:
   • Ensures compliance with food safety standards by detecting pathogenic Listeria spp.
3. Research:
   • Study the prevalence and behavior of Listeria monocytogenes in food products.

Advantages

• High Selectivity: Effectively inhibits competing flora while promoting Listeria monocytogenes growth.
• Easy Differentiation: Double indicator system provides clear visual distinction between L. monocytogenes and other organisms.
• Validated Workflow: Complies with industrial standards (AFNOR, IDF, NMKL) for food microbiology testing.
• Reliable Performance: Proven efficacy in detecting Listeria monocytogenes in complex food matrices.

Preparation Instructions

1. Suspend 76.5g of PALCAM Agar Base in 1 liter of distilled water.
2. Heat to dissolve completely.
3. Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool to approximately 50°C.
5. Add the required volume of sterile PALCAM Selective Supplement and mix well before pouring plates.

General References

• Van Netten, P. et al. (1989). International Journal of Food Microbiology, 8(4), 299-316.

Packaging

• Quantity: 500g of dehydrated powder.
• Yield: Prepares 7.2L of medium.

Why Choose PALCAM Agar Base?

• Specially formulated for selective isolation of Listeria monocytogenes.
• Combines high specificity and easy-to-read results with a proven track record in food microbiology.
• Meets industry standards for safety and reliability.