SEMI-SYNTHETIC GEL-FORMING SUBSTANCE, PROCESS FOR ITS PREPARATION AND ITS USES, ESPECIALLY AS A CULTIVATING MEDIUM FOR MICROORGANISMS

摘要

A flake-powder preparation of a polygalactan having randomly interlaced chains of alternating D and L forms and bonded to fine grain aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and titanium oxide disposed throughout the powder and chemically bonded to the chains to form chemical complexes therewith, is used as a substitute for agar-agar as a culture medium. The powder is soluble in water upon heating to a temperature of 80 DEG C. and forms a reversible gel upon cooling.