Agar vs. Gelatin
Agar and gelatin have similar uses throughout the world and throughout industries, both in cooking and in plant media. When looking at agar and gelatin, most people are curious to know what the main difference is between the two.
The main difference is their sourcing. Agar is a plant derivative, while gelatin is derived from animals. Therefore, agar has been employed as a vegetarian substitute in place of gelatin. Gelatin is a more widely known substance. However, you may be surprised to know that agar has even more potent bonding properties than its animal-derived counterpart.
In order to properly understand the differences between the two, let's take an in-depth look at each of them:
Short Review of Gelatin:
- Colorless
- Odorless
- Derived from the skin and bones of deceased animals
- Popularly used in photography, ammunition, cosmetics, desserts and baking
- Can be purchased in powder or sheet form
- Has several different names when used in an industrial setting
- Needs to be dissolved in warm water and then left to set
Short Review of Agar:
- Originates from seaweed
- Employed in the use of biological testing
- Used as an impression substance in dentistry
- Useful as a laxative in electrochemistry
- Also used in many Japanese desserts
- Can be purchased in agar powder form as well as strips
- Name is derived from the Malay agar-agar word meaning jelly
- Also be known as China grass, Kanten, Japanese isinglass
- Begins to set after it has been brought to a boil
Source of Agar
Most people are under the impression that gelatin is made from the hooves and horns of animals. However, it is actually derived from the collagen found in cattle and pig bones, the skin of a pig, or the hides from split cattle. Agar, on the other hand, is made from red algae.
Agar as a Growth Medium
One of the most significant distinctions between agar and gelatin as a growth medium is that agar is not degraded or eaten by bacteria. Agar is also a more robust and firmer substance, so it makes for a superior growth medium.
When it is used for culturing media, the final concentration needs to be approximately 1-2%.
When it is used in motility studies, the final concentration should not exceed 0.5%.
When agar is used for the growth of anaerobes and microaerophiles, it should be used in the final concentration of 0.1%.
If you are using bacteriological grade agar, it would be best to observe the following specifications:
- Good clarity
- Controlled melting temperature and controlled gelling/solidifying temperature
- Proper diffusion characteristics
- Zero toxic bacterial inhibitors
The Best Agar for Tissue Culture
Whether you are a student doing a DIY Tissue Culture at home or a scientist looking for agar to add to your tissue culture toolbox, the best agar is just a click away. PCT Supreme Grade agar is your the most affordable high-quality agar on the market and should be used at a rate of 6 – 12 g/L medium. This agar will prove to be an excellent media for tissue culture, whether you are looking to grow in vitro cannabis plants for your home grow or on an industrial scale.
Okay, let's talk specifics now; what are the properties of each substance?
The melting points are distinctly different for each substance. The melting point for agar is 85 degrees Celsius whereas the melting point for gelatin is 35 degrees Celsius. Therefore, agar requires boiling before it sets at 32 – 40 degrees. The setting and gelling for gelatin will occur at lower temperatures but will be influenced by the amount of time and concentration.
Form and Shape
The physical attributes of each substance are similar. Gelatin is translucent, colorless, odorless, and comes either in powder or in sheet form. Agar is also a white translucent product that is available in powder or strip form.
Nutrition
Even though you are reading this to find out about using agar in tissue culture, it is helpful to be familiar with the nutritional properties of both substances and how they compare.
Nutritional properties of agar:
- Low in cholesterol
- Low in saturated fat
- High in iron
- High in calcium
- High in folate
The nutritional properties of gelatin are dismal. While it is made up of almost 100% protein, it can cause malnutrition if it is eaten exclusively.
Aside from being used as a medium in tissue culture, it can also be used as a cleaning substance to remove soot particles and soluble salts.
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