Ampicillin is an antibiotic in the broad-spectrum penicillin group. Ampicillin differs from penicillin only by the presence of an amino group, which facilitates penetration through the outer membrane of some gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin acts by interfering directly with the turnover of the bacterial cell wall and indirectly by triggering the release of enzymes that further alter the cell wall.

Gibco Ampicillin is used as a selective antibiotic generally at a concentration of 20–125 μg/mL. Ampicillin selection is based on hydrolysis and inactivation of its beta-lactam ring by beta-lactamase expressed by the bla gene. Sometimes, beta-lactamase produced by the bacteria is secreted into the medium resulting in inactivation of ampicillin in the culture medium. Ampicillin degradation on agar plates can lead to the formation of satellite colonies. Growth of these colonies can be halted by adding fresh ampicillin. To avoid beta-lactamase buildup, special care must be taken while handling cultures and determining the correct dose of antibiotic.

Ampicillin antibiotic in powder form is an economical choice that can be used in a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative infections. This product is provided as a powder and should be made into a stock solution at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in water.

cGMP manufacturing
Gibco Ampicillin is manufactured at a cGMP compliant facility located in Grand Island, New York. The facility is registered with the FDA as a medical device manufacturer and is certified to ISO 13485 standards.