BUFFERED PEPTONE WATER (Eur. Pharma.) 500 grams/bottle

Buffered Peptone Water is recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia in the paragraph 2.6.12 "Microbiological examination of non sterile products: Microbial enumeration test, and in the paragraph 2.6.13 "Microbiological examination of non-Sterile products: test for specified micro-organisms" as a diluent for the homogenization of samples in the examination of TAMC and TYMC, and specified microorganisms in products. Pancreatic digest of casein provides nitrogen, vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for growth. Potassium phosphates act as a buffer system and Sodium chloride supplies essential electrolytes for transport and osmotic balance. It is used in the preparation of the samples to dissolve or dilute water-soluble products (1:10 dilution) and non-fatty products insoluble in water (in general 1:10 dilution, but some may require larger volumes of Buffered Peptone Water) Fatty products are homogenized with a suitable sterile surface-active agent such as polysorbate or tween 80 heated if necessary to no more than 40ºC or, in exceptional cases, to no more than 45ºC. They are mixed carefully and if necessary the temperature is maintained in a water-bath. It is added enough of the pre-warmed Buffered Peptone Water diluent to make a 1:10 dilution of the original product.