Comprehensive Guide to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Its Role in Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) is one of the most commonly used microbiological media in pharmaceutical microbiology , especially for the cultivation, enumeration, and identification of fungi and yeasts. It plays a critical role in quality control testing, environmental monitoring, and sterility assurance within the pharmaceutical industry. The ability of PDA to support a wide range of fungal growth makes it indispensable for microbial testing laboratories. 1. Introduction to Potato Dextrose Agar Potato Dextrose Agar is a general-purpose medium primarily designed for the cultivation of fungi, yeasts, and molds. It provides rich nutrients derived from potato infusion and dextrose, promoting robust mycelial growth and sporulation. In pharmaceutical microbiology, PDA is used to evaluate fungal contamination in air, surfaces, water, and raw materials. 2. Composition of Potato Dextrose Agar The composition of PDA may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but a typical formulation ...