Kovac's Reagent 100ml Condalab 5205

Kovac's Reagent is used for the detection of microbial indole. The bacteria that possess the enzyme triptophanase is capable of cleaving and deaminating trytophan with the production of indole. The indole test is based on the formation of a dark red dye and when it is liberated, it reacts with 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. The production of indole is an important characteristic in the identification of many microorganisms, especially E. Coli from other Enterobacteriaceae.

The microorganisms have to be grown aerobically in a glucose-free environment with plenty of Tryptophan (Urea Indole Broth -
Cat. 1227; Peptone Water - Cat. 1403; SIM Medium - Cat. 1514; Tryptophan Culture Broth - Cat. 1237; MIO Medium - Cat. 1510; Indole Nitrate Medium -
Cat. 1504, Lauryl Sulfate Chromogenic Broth Cat. 1465, etc.) for indole detection.

Peptone water is particularly suitable as a substrate in the study of indole production.
A positive reaction is denoted by the appearance of a pink-red color on the top of the tube. Negative reactions remain colorless or lightly yellow.