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Comparison of ACES, MOPS, and MOPSO in Yeast Extract Culture Media

Release time:

2025-06-29

In microbiological research and clinical testing, the selection of culture medium is directly related to the growth efficiency and stability of the target strain. As an important pathogen, the isolation and cultivation of Legionella pneumophila are of great significance for public health monitoring. As an important component of the culture medium, buffer plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the pH stability of the culture system and promoting bacterial metabolism. The three commonly used biological buffers, ACES, MOPS, and MOPSO, each have their own characteristics in practical applications. This article will systematically compare their performance.

MOPS powder

1、 ACES: Traditional Classic but High Cost

ACES is a traditional buffer widely used in BCYE α culture medium, with a pH value of 6.1-7.5, which is very suitable for maintaining the slightly acidic environment required for the growth of Legionella pneumophila. However, ACES also has certain limitations. Firstly, its synthesis process is relatively complex, resulting in higher market prices. Secondly, ACES is prone to degradation under long-term storage or high temperature conditions. Some studies have shown that ACES may inhibit the growth of other non pulmonary Legionella species in certain culture environments, limiting its application in broad-spectrum Legionella screening.

2、 MOPS: A cost-effective choice with stronger stability

The pH range of MOPS is 6.5-7.9, which is slightly alkaline compared to ACES. However, it still exhibits good adaptability and stability in the cultivation process of Legionella pneumophila. The advantage of MOPS lies in its strong chemical stability, resistance to degradation, and suitability for long-term storage and large-scale use. More importantly, the cost of MOPS is significantly lower than ACES, making it an ideal alternative for many laboratories with limited budgets. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that MOPS can effectively replace ACES in BCYE α medium. MOPS has good compatibility with various microorganisms and is suitable for a wider range of bacterial culture needs.

3、 MOPSO: A rising star that combines performance and cost-effectiveness

MOPSO is a buffer solution structurally similar to MOPS, with a pH range of 6.2-7.6, which can provide a stable pH environment. Compared with MOPS, MOPSO introduces a hydroxyl group in its molecular structure, which enhances its water solubility and buffering capacity to a certain extent. In recent years, MOPSO has gradually gained attention due to its excellent cost-effectiveness. It not only has a moderate price, but also demonstrates cultivation effects similar to ACES in practical applications, especially in some detection scenarios that require high sensitivity, showing good potential.

Product packaging

With the continuous advancement of microbial detection technology, the requirements for the performance of culture media are also constantly increasing. For the cultivation of Legionella pneumophila, the selection of buffer solution should not only consider its pH regulation ability, but also balance stability, economy, and applicability. As a professional supplier of biological buffering agents, Desheng New Materials is committed to developing high-quality and high-performance buffering agent products, providing solid support for microbial cultivation and related scientific research fields.