Inulin Discs

Inulin Discs are used to differentiate bacteria based on the inulin fermentation ability. Microorganisms can only ferment certain carbohydrates, depending on the enzymes they possess to break down these carbohydrates. Fermentation can be detected by gas production (CO₂) in liquid media and/or color change of pH caused by acid production. The inulin discs are aseptically added to any sugar-free basal media to test the ability of the organism to hydrolyze inulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, as the sole source of carbon and energy during fermentation. Inulin is typically fermented under acid production by many Streptococcus species.Inulin is used for the differentiation of streptococci, for example, to differentiate Streptococcus pneumoniae from other non-pathogenic Streptococcus species. According to CDC, inulin is also used for the identification of Globicatella species.

Inulin Discs are recommended to detect inulin fermenting bacteria in food and environmental samples. They find their application in various sectors such as the food and dairy industry, water industry, pharmaceutical laboratory testing, cosmetic industry, environmental and sanitary testing, clinical diagnostic, etc.