Differentiate and Identify Enterobacteriaceae spp. using Thermo Scientific™ Remel™ Gelatin Medium (Nutrient Gelatin). In their studies of gelatin liquefaction by gram-negative bacilli, Levine and Carpenter incorporated gelatin into the nutrient medium¹. The production of gelatinase by some bacteria and the resulting liquefaction of gelatin can be used to differentiate certain bacilli. Gelatin Medium (Nutrient Media) (12%) is recommended as a standard method for use in taxonomic work because the rate of gelatin liquefaction is important in the characterization of the Enterobacteriaceae².

Certain genera of enteric gram-negative bacilli and nonfermentive gram-negative bacilli can be differentiated and identified by the production of gelatinase. Gelatinase is a proteolytic enzyme that hydrolyzes gelatin into its constituent amino acids with a loss of its gelling characteristics³.

• Ready to use – Convenience of prepared media.
• Recommended as a standard method for use in taxonomic work because the rate of gelatin liquefaction is important in the characterization of the Enterobacteriaceae².
• Easy to interpret -
  • Positive test - Liquefacation after refrigeration
  • Negative test - Solidification after refrigeration

The medium contains peptone and beef extract that supply amino acids and other essential nutrients to support the growth of non-fastidious bacteria. Gelatin is incorporated to determine an organism’s ability to produce gelatinase. The proteolytic enzyme gelatinase decomposes gelatin into smaller components, resulting in liquefaction of the gelatin.