Liofilchem® Bile Salt N. 3

Liofilchem® Bile Salt N. 3 is a purified extract of bovine bile specially processed to produce a modified fraction of bile salts with controlled selectivity. This product is designed for use in bacteriological culture media where moderate inhibitory activity is required to suppress Gram-positive organisms and spore-forming bacilli, while allowing the growth of Gram-negative enteric bacteria.

Because of its balanced selectivity, Bile Salt N. 3 is widely used in the formulation of MacConkey Agar, Salmonella–Shigella (SS) Agar, and Violet Red Bile Agar, ensuring reliable differentiation and enumeration of enteric microorganisms in food, water, and clinical microbiology.

Key Features

• Purified bovine bile extract: uniform composition for consistent media performance.
• Moderate selective power: inhibits Gram-positive flora at one-third the concentration of standard bile salts.
• Versatile application: recommended for enteric isolation media such as MacConkey, SS, and Violet Red Bile Agar.
• High solubility: completely soluble in water at 5 % w/v.
• Stable formulation: free-flowing beige powder with long shelf life.
• Validated quality: manufactured according to pharmacopeial and microbiological standards.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics

Use and Preparation

Bile Salt N. 3 is used as an ingredient in dehydrated culture media.

1. Dissolve the required quantity in distilled or deionized water according to the target formulation (typically 0.15 % w/v).
2. Mix until completely dissolved.
3. Combine with other medium components and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool and dispense as directed for the final medium.

At the recommended concentration, it effectively inhibits most Gram-positive bacteria without suppressing the growth of Enterobacteriaceae or other Gram-negative enteric species.

Applications

• Formulation of MacConkey Agar, SS Agar, and Violet Red Bile Agar
• Enumeration and differentiation of enteric bacteria in food, water, and environmental samples
• Preparation of selective and differential media for clinical and industrial microbiology
• Use as a controlled selective agent where moderate inhibition is required

Quality Control

• Dehydrated medium appearance: free-flowing, homogeneous beige powder
• Solubility: complete in water at 5 % w/v
• Meets internal QC criteria for purity, solubility, and inhibitory selectivity

Storage and Stability

• Store at 10–30 °C in a dry, tightly sealed container, away from heat and humidity.
• Avoid repeated exposure to moisture.
• Do not use after the expiry date or if contamination, caking, or discoloration occurs.

Ordering Information

Liofilchem® Bile Salt N. 3 offers a refined, reliable source of bile derivatives for microbiological media preparation. Its moderate selectivity, high purity, and excellent solubility make it ideal for laboratories requiring precise control over inhibitory activity in enteric isolation media. Whether in food, water, or clinical microbiology, it ensures consistent performance, reproducibility, and dependable results in every batch.