Hardy Diagnostics Pseudomonas Isolation Agar is a modification of the formula developed by King, et al.(1) The medium is designed to enhance pyocyanin production, thereby improving the differentiation of pseudomonads. The modified formula contains a low phosphorous content, glycerol, magnesium chloride and potassium sulfate, all of which promote pyocyanin production.(1) Pyocyanin production is unique to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is noted as a blue-green water soluble pigment that imparts a greenish color into the media.(8)
Pseudomonas Isolation Agar also includes glycerol as an energy source, while peptone provides nutrients necessary for bacterial growth. Irgasan® is incorporated into the medium to inhibit the growth of many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms other than Pseudomonas spp