Product Description
Sterile Malt Extract Agar (LME) Plates
Ready-poured 90mm plates of light malt extract (LME) agar, cooked, poured and set under HEPA-filtered laminar flow. Ready to go the moment you break the sleeve.
LME is nutritious enough for most saprotrophs to grow cleanly, clear enough to read mycelium morphology at a glance, with a nutrient balance perfect for anyone starting out or furthering their mycology journey.
What these are good for
- Isolating a clean sector from a multi-spore germination
- Cloning from fresh tissue
- Rescuing a viable wedge out of a contaminated culture
- Confirming a spore print is viable before committing to LC
- Maintaining a stock library with routine transfers
Specs
Storage and shelf life
Keep the sealed sleeve refrigerated at 2–8°C, stacked lid-down so condensation doesn't sit on the medium. Stored this way they'll hold for around 8 weeks from dispatch. Bring plates up to room temperature before opening.
A note on technique
Agar work rewards patience and clean habits far more than expensive kit. Work in a still-air box or under laminar flow using aseptic practices for consistent results.
Product FAQs
- How fresh are the plates when they arrive?
Plates are poured within 3–7 days of shipping and quality-checked for contamination before they go out, so you're getting fresh, clean plates with the best possible shelf life.
- How should I store them?
Store plates in their sealed packaging, agar-side down, in a cool, dark place until ready to use. Refrigeration (around 4°C) isn't essential but will extend shelf life significantly.
- How long will the plates last?
Plates don't "go off" like food, over time they slowly lose moisture and become more prone to contamination, so fresher is always better.
- Are the plates sterile?
Yes, the agar is sterilised by autoclaving, then poured and sealed using aseptic technique to prevent contamination. The grafting tape seal helps maintain sterility during shipping and storage. Always inspect for contamination before use.
- Do I need to do anything before using them?
No prep needed. Just remove the grafting tape, work in a clean/still-air environment, and use as normal.
What will I receive?
When will I receive my item?
We'll prepare and dispatch your item on the same day for orders made before noon (UK time) on working days, i.e. Mon-Fri & non-holidays (UK).
In the UK you could usually expect to receive your item within 2-3 days.
Outside the UK times can vary greatly - so it is better to order well in advance. We currently deliver to the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, U.S.
Any confusion then please contact us for clarification.
Can I return my item?
We only accept returns on unopened items. However if you have received a damaged or defective product, then please contact us and we'll be sure to put things right. See our full refund policy.