Czapek‑Dox Broth — semi‑synthetic medium for cultivation of fungi
Czapek‑Dox Broth — Semi‑Synthetic Medium for Fungal Cultivation | CAT: AS‑1189
 
Overview
Czapek‑Dox Broth (CAT: AS‑1189) is a semi‑synthetic liquid medium formulated for the cultivation of fungi that utilize inorganic nitrogen sources. This medium is particularly suitable for saprophytic fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, as well as non‑sporulating molds. By employing sodium nitrate as the sole nitrogen source and sucrose as the sole carbon source, Czapek‑Dox Broth provides a defined nutrient environment that supports selective fungal growth, microbial differentiation, and physiological studies.
Originally developed by Czapek (1902) and modified by Dox (1910), this formulation remains a cornerstone in environmental microbiology, soil ecology, and fungal physiology research.
 
Applications
Cultivation of saprophytic fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium).
Growth of non‑sporulating molds for morphology and physiology studies.
Soil microbiology: isolation of fungi from environmental samples.
Fungal physiology research: nutrient utilization, metabolic pathways, and differentiation.
Comparative studies: differentiation of fungi based on carbon/nitrogen metabolism.
 
Key Features
Defined nutrient composition: reproducible results across laboratories.
Selective carbon/nitrogen sources: sucrose and sodium nitrate promote fungal growth while limiting bacterial overgrowth.
Liquid format: ideal for suspension cultures, physiology assays, and metabolic studies.
Versatile applications: widely used in environmental, industrial, and academic research.
Buffering capacity: salts stabilize pH for optimal fungal growth.
 
Composition (per liter, typical)
Sucrose: 30.00 g
Sodium Nitrate: 2.00 g
Dipotassium Phosphate: 1.00 g
Magnesium Sulfate: 0.50 g
Potassium Chloride: 0.50 g
Ferrous Sulfate: 0.01 g
Final pH: 7.3 ± 0.2 at 25 °C
 
Physical Properties
Appearance (dehydrated): Homogeneous, cream to yellow, free‑flowing powder.
Prepared broth: Light yellow solution, clear to slightly opalescent in tubes.
 
Storage & Stability
Dehydrated powder: Store at 2–25 °C in a dry, sealed container.
Prepared broth: Store below 8 °C, protected from direct light.
Stable under recommended conditions; discard if contamination or degradation is observed.
 
Safety & Compliance
For Laboratory Use Only — Not for Medical, Food, or Veterinary Use.
SDS, COA, and TDS available upon request.
HS Tariff Code: 3821.00 — prepared culture media for development of microorganisms.
 
FAQ
Q1: What organisms are best suited for Czapek‑Dox Broth? A1: Aspergillus, Penicillium, and non‑sporulating molds that utilize inorganic nitrogen.
Q2: How does Czapek‑Dox Broth differ from Czapek‑Dox Agar? A2: The broth is a liquid medium, ideal for suspension cultures and physiology studies, while the agar is solid for colony morphology and isolation.
Q3: Why is sodium nitrate used as the nitrogen source? A3: It selectively supports fungal growth while limiting bacterial overgrowth, making the medium highly suitable for fungal differentiation.