Merck, 1.01492, L(+)-Arabinose

General description
L(+)-Arabinose, an aldopentose monosaccharide, is an isomer of D-galactose, commonly used as a substrate in bacterial growth media for the growth of arabinose-utilizing bacteria. It enters the bacterial cell through the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system.

Microorganisms can only ferment specific carbohydrates, depending on the enzymes they possess to break down carbohydrates. Fermentation can be detected by gas production (CO₂) in liquid media and/or color change of pH caused by acid production. L(+)-Arabinose is added to any sugar-free basal media to test the ability of the organism to hydrolyze arabinose as the sole source of carbon and energy during fermentation. Arabinose is typically fermented under acid and gas production by many Enterobacter and coliform bacteria.
Application
L(+)-Arabinose is recommended to detect arabinose fermenting bacteria in food and environmental samples. They find their application in various sectors such as the food and dairy industry, water industry, pharmaceutical laboratory testing, cosmetic industry, environmental and sanitary testing, clinical diagnostic, etc.
Analysis Note
Identity (IR-spectrum): conforms
Spec. rotation [α²0/D (100 g/l, water): +103.0 - +105.0 °
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤ 0.001 %
TLC-Test: conforms
Water: ≤ 0.5 %
Suitability for microbiology: conforms
Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC): ≤ 1000 CFU/g
Total combined yeasts/moulds count (TYMC): ≤ 100 CFU/g