The Malt Extracts collection at BVV provides the high-performance carbohydrate base required for professional mycological and microbial cultivation. Our Light Malt Extract (LME) is specifically selected for its low-heat processing, which preserves essential nutrients while ensuring maximum clarity in your final media.
As the foundational ingredient in Malt Extract Agar (MEA), LME provides the complex sugars and nitrogen needed for aggressive mycelial expansion and healthy colony development. Its superior solubility makes it a favorite for Liquid Culture (LC) production, where clarity is critical for monitoring growth and spotting early signs of contamination. Sourced for consistency and technical grade purity, BVV’s Malt Extract is available by the gram or kilo shipped fast from our Illinois warehose.
What is Light Malt Extract (LME) used for in mycology?
LME is the most common carbohydrate source used in mycology. It provides the complex sugars (maltose) and nutrients required for fungal mycelium to colonize agar plates and liquid cultures quickly and efficiently.
Why is "Light" Malt Extract preferred over "Dark" Malt?
Light Malt is processed at lower temperatures, resulting in a lighter color and higher clarity. This is crucial for laboratory work, as it allows researchers to easily see fine mycelial growth and detect bacterial or mold contamination at an earlier stage.
How do I make a standard MEA (Malt Extract Agar) recipe?
A standard MEA recipe typically involves mixing 20g of Light Malt Extract and 15g-20g of Agar per 1 liter of water. Some labs also add 1-2g of Yeast Extract as a growth booster.
Is Malt Extract suitable for Liquid Cultures (LC)?
Yes. Because of its high solubility and nutrient profile, LME is an excellent choice for LC. It is often used at a lower concentration (approx. 10g-15g per liter) to prevent the solution from becoming too thick or dark.
Does Malt Extract contain nitrogen?
Yes. Malt Extract naturally contains small amounts of organic nitrogen derived from the barley. However, for faster growth, many labs supplement it with Soya Peptone or Yeast Extract.
What is the shelf life of dry Malt Extract?
When stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, LME has a shelf life of approximately 2 years. If exposed to air, it will quickly absorb moisture and turn into a hard, sticky mass.
How do I prevent Malt Extract from clumping during mixing?
We recommend adding the powder to room-temperature water while stirring vigorously (using a magnetic stirrer or whisk) before heating. This ensures the malt is fully dispersed before it reaches the hydration temperature.
Is your Malt Extract non-diastatic?
Yes. For laboratory use, non-diastatic malt is preferred because the enzymes have been deactivated, ensuring a stable nutrient profile that won't break down other components in your media during storage or sterilization.
Can I sterilize Malt Extract in an autoclave?
Yes. It is designed to be autoclaved at 121°C (15 PSI). However, avoid over-sterilizing for longer than 20 minutes, as this can cause the sugars to "caramelize," which can make the media darker and potentially inhibit growth.
Do you offer bulk wholesale for commercial farms?
Absolutely. BVV is a leader in industrial-scale supply. We offer tiered wholesale pricing, shipping daily from our Illinois warehouse to support large-scale operations.