Ampicillin Sodium ReadyMade™ Solution

69-52-3

C16H18N3NaO4S

371.39

Mechanism of Action: Like all β-lactams, Ampicillin interferes with PBP (penicillin binding protein) activity otherwise involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBPs are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised ultimately leading to cell lysis.

-20°C

Spectrum: Ampicillin is broad-spectrum, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Gram-negative non-ESBL (Extended Spectrum β-lactamase) bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species and medically important enteric pathogens such as Shigella and Salmonella. Interestingly, Ampicillin has been found to be effective against certain β-lactam sensitive VRE or vancomycin resistant Enterococcus; a glycopeptide antibiotic resistant "superbug." Resistance to Ampicillin is routinely used as a selectable marker to confirm successful cell transformation.

Microbiology Applications:
Ampicillin Sodium is often used to select for cells that have been transformed with a plasmid containing the bla gene which confers resistance to Ampicillin. Ampicillin Sodium is typically used at a concentration of 50-100 µg/mL. It can also be used with pBR322 and pUC derivatives.

Media Supplements
Ampicillin Sodium can be used as a selective agent in several types of isolation media:
Aeromonas Medium Base - Ampicillin Selective Supplement

Eukaryotic Cell Culture Applications:
Ampicillin is routinely used to select for cells containing the pcDNA3.1 and pEAK10 resistance plasmids in cell line A904L at an effective concentration of 50 µg/mL.