Liofilchem Skim milk powder

Liofilchem's Skim Milk is a high-quality dehydrated medium designed for the preparation of microbiological culture media, primarily used for detecting and cultivating proteolytic microorganisms, lactose-fermenting organisms, and for differentiating microbial species, especially Clostridium. It is widely applicable in food, dairy, and clinical microbiology laboratories.

Key Features:

• Source of Nutrients: Provides lactose and casein as essential nutrients for the growth and differentiation of microorganisms.
• Versatile Applications: Used to prepare Skim Milk Agar and Litmus Milk for various microbiological tests.
• Supports Proteolytic Testing: Ideal for detecting organisms that produce enzymes capable of hydrolyzing casein.
• Differentiates Clostridium Species: Enables identification of Clostridium species based on their ability to peptonize or coagulate milk.
• Equivalent to Fresh Skim Milk: When prepared as a 10% solution, it acts as a substitute for fresh skim milk, particularly in cultivating lactobacilli.

Applications:

1. Food and Dairy Microbiology:
   • Detection of proteolytic microorganisms in dairy products.
   • Quality control testing for spoilage organisms in food products.
2. Clinical Microbiology:
   • Differentiation and cultivation of Clostridium species in medical samples.
   • Detection of lactose fermentation by various microorganisms.
3. Environmental Monitoring:
   • Microbial content assessment in water and environmental samples.
4. Research Applications:
   • Studies on microbial enzyme production, such as proteolytic activity.
   • Investigating metabolic pathways involving lactose utilization.

Preparation Instructions:

1. Powder Dissolution:
   • Dissolve the powder in distilled or deionized water to prepare a 10% solution.
   • Mix thoroughly to form a smooth paste.
2. Sterilization:
   • Sterilize the solution in an autoclave at 121°C for 5 minutes.
   • Use the sterilized solution as a standalone medium or as an additive to culture media.
3. Media Preparation:
   • For Skim Milk Agar: Add the solution to a solidifying agent like agar to prepare plates.
   • For Litmus Milk: Add appropriate indicators to detect lactose fermentation and proteolytic enzyme activity.

Quality Control:

• Tested Strains:
  • Escherichia coli (ATCC® 25922): Good growth observed.
  • Clostridium perfringens (ATCC® 13124): Good growth observed.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC® 9595): Good growth observed.
• Performance:
  • Consistent and reliable growth of test organisms.
  • Free-flowing, homogeneous powder ensures ease of use and reproducibility.

Storage and Shelf Life:

• Storage Conditions:
  • Powder: Store at 10-30°C in a dry environment, away from light and moisture.
  • Prepared Medium: Store at 2-8°C to maintain integrity and prevent contamination.
• Shelf Life:
  • Powder: 4 years from the manufacturing date.
  • Prepared medium: Variable, based on storage conditions.

Safety and Handling:

• Safety Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current legislation. Contains no harmful substances exceeding regulatory limits.
• Precautions:
  • Use only in laboratory settings by trained professionals.
  • Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for details on handling and disposal.
• Waste Disposal: Follow national and local regulations for disposing of microbiological waste.

Product Specifications:

• Physical Appearance:
  • Powder: White to off-white, homogeneous, and free-flowing.
  • Prepared Medium: Opalescent white.
• pH: 6.3 ± 0.2 at 25°C.
• Packaging Options:
  • 500 g (Ref: 610491).
  • 100 g (Ref: 620491).

References:

1. Downes and Ito, "Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods," 4th Edition, 2001.
2. Marshall, "Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products," 16th Edition, 1993.
3. Allen, Emery, and Siders, "Manual of Clinical Microbiology," 7th Edition, 1999.

Use Cases:

1. Food Safety Testing:
   • Ensure dairy products are free from spoilage organisms or contamination by proteolytic microbes.
2. Clinical Diagnostics:
   • Differentiate between microbial species like Clostridium in medical microbiology.
   • Detect lactose fermentation and enzymatic activity in patient samples.
3. Research Studies:
   • Study enzyme activity (e.g., proteolysis) in microbial cultures.
   • Cultivate lactobacilli for probiotic research.
4. Environmental Monitoring:
   • Test water or environmental samples for microbial contamination.

Skim Milk by Liofilchem provides a reliable and versatile medium for numerous microbiological applications, making it an essential component for research, clinical diagnostics, and food safety testing.