A Formulation and Evaluation of Alternative Starch-Based Culture Media for Microbial Growth

Abstract

This study explores the development of alternative starch-based culture media using locally available materials; rice (Oryza sativa), corn (Zea mays), and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The objective was to formulate cost-effective, sustainable culture media and compare their efficacy with conventional agar-based media in supporting microbial growth. Microbial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were inoculated into the prepared media and their growth assessed and compared to the conventional media. Results showed that rice starch + potato starch medium provided optimal microbial proliferation while potato starch alone had limited growth-supporting capabilities. Standard nutrient agar exhibited the highest microbial growth, indicating its superior nutrient composition. Despite this, alternative starch-based media demonstrated potential for cost-effective and sustainable microbial cultivation, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria.