A Double Layered Plate Method for the Detection of Microbial Lipolysis

Abstract

SUMMARY A double layered plating procedure has been adapted for the determination of lipolysis by micro‐organisms. The base layer is prepared by mixing any fat, oil or triglyceride with Victoria Blue B and agar in a blender. Layers 2–3 mm thick are poured, allowed to solidify and overlaid with a suitable nutrient medium. This procedure allows considerable flexibility in the choice of fat as well as of nutrient medium. If lipolytic counts are desired, dilutions can be placed on the surface of the base layer prior to pouring the nutrient medium. Data are presented to show that no single fat or nutrient medium is suitable for all micro‐organisms. Acid production from carbohydrates in the medium rarely caused confusion in recognizing lipolysis.