🧪 Preparation Guide: Using Low Ionic Gellan Gum in Culture Media
1️⃣ Formulation
Add gellan gum at 0.2–0.3% (w/v) to your basal medium (e.g., MS, B5, WPM). Use less for soft gels, more for firmer structures.
2️⃣ Dispersion & Hydration
- Premix with dry components or slowly sprinkle into agitated water
- Heat to 85–90°C for full hydration
- Autoclave at 121°C for 15–20 minutes
⚠️ Do not autoclave with high levels of divalent ions unless desired for gel strengthening. Ionic content should be controlled separately.
3️⃣ pH Control
Adjust the final media pH to 5.6–5.8 before sterilization—ideal for most plant tissue culture protocols.
🔬 Common Applications in Plant Cell Studies
| Research Area | Application | Benefit of Low Ionic Gellan |
|---|---|---|
| 📦 Protoplast Culture | Cell wall-free plant cells | Low interference, stable environment |
| 🌿 Callus Induction | Undifferentiated cell mass | Uniform surface, reproducible gel |
| 🌾 Micropropagation | Shoot & root initiation | Clarity & growth factor control |
| 🍇 Genetic Engineering | Transgenic tissue development | High purity = better reproducibility |
| 🧬 Somatic Embryogenesis | Artificial seed formation | Consistent support for cell clusters |
🔍 Comparison: Gellan Gum vs. Agar
| Feature | Low Ionic Gellan Gum | Agar |
|---|---|---|
| Gel Clarity | Very clear | Slightly hazy |
| Ionic Content | Ultra-low | Variable |
| Batch Consistency | High | Moderate |
| Gelling Concentration | 0.15–0.3% | 0.6–1.0% |
| Contaminant Risk | Very low | May contain polysaccharide impurities |
🌐 Many research institutions are now transitioning from agar to low ionic gellan gum for more reproducible results.
🧭 Storage & Handling
- Store dry powder in airtight containers, away from humidity
- Once prepared, store gels at 4–8°C
- Autoclaved medium should be used within 2 weeks for optimal results
🧑🔬 Trusted by Laboratories Worldwide
Low ionic gellan gum is increasingly used by:
- 🔬 Plant research labs
- 🧪 Agricultural biotech companies
- 🌿 Universities and academic departments
- 🧫 Seed technology and breeding programs
🎓 CINOGEL Biotech's lab-grade gellan gum ensures batch-to-batch consistency, critical for research publications and experimental reproducibility.
📌 Conclusion
In the world of plant cell studies, even microscopic inconsistencies can lead to failed results. Low ionic gellan gum eliminates the guesswork by offering a pure, clean, and inert gelling medium. Whether you're propagating rare species or developing genetically modified plant lines, this modern alternative to agar enhances control and transparency at every stage.
🔗 CINOGEL Biotech — Your Partner in Scientific Precision
Backed by 15 years of gellan gum expertise, CINOGEL Biotech supports research professionals with ultra-pure low ionic gellan gum for tissue culture, cell studies, and academic innovation.
Our products are available in small lab packs and bulk research quantities—ready to ship globally.
