STS XA-Gel– Molecular Synergism (Xanthan-Agar Premix) – 60gram
Superior Moisture, Elasticity, and Versatility.
XA-Gel: The Multi-Tool of Molecular Mycology
Standard agar is brittle, prone to cracking, and dries out quickly. STS XA-Gel solves this by leveraging the molecular synergy between Xanthan and Agar. While Agar provides the rigid scaffold, Xanthan adds a flexible, moisture-wicking layer that prevents agar from drying out – and dramatically extends the shelf-life of your cultures.
The Pivot: Beyond the Petri Dish
While XA-Gel is a legendary agar additive, its high water-binding capacity (holding up to 2000% of its weight) makes it a premier Organic Hydrogel. It is now widely used to regulate moisture in mushroom substrates and soil, ensuring your “field capacity” stays locked in throughout the entire fruiting cycle.
Key Benefits & Facts:
- Mycology: Creates “Soft-XA” plates resistant to drying out in the fridge for up to a year – only add 1g/litre to your nutrient agar mix.
- Thixotropic Power: This unique property means the gel thins under stress (shaking) and resets when still. Turn any culture wedge into a liquid inoculant in seconds—no blender required.
- “Chill to Thrill”: To fully lock the XA-Matrix in agar, give your prepared plates or slants a 3-hour “cold snap” in the fridge. This ensures a stable, invertible surface that won’t slide, even in the Bushmanland heat.
- Bio-Refinery Grade: 100% Organic and biodegradable. A safe, high-performance alternative to synthetic polyacrylamide hydrogels.
- Liquid Inoculant (LI): Convert a culture wedge into a liquid slurry with a simple shake—no blender required.
- Tissue Culture: Improves root penetration for delicate plant explants.
- Gastronomy: Ideal for fluid gels, elastic vegan jellies, and reverse spherification (True Spheres).
XA-Gel Application Rates (per 1L Water):
| Use Case | Weight Dosage | Volumetric (approx.) | Target Outcome |
| Liquid Inoculant (LI) | 0.5 g / L [0.05%] | a pinch |
Adds “body” to suspend mycelium, preventing clumping and needle-block. |
| Bundu Castellani Agar | 6.0 g / L [0.6%] | 1.5 tsp [7.5 ml] |
Add to any Agar recipe. Reduce base agar to 10g/L. Creates a “shatter-point” matrix for instant LI. |
| Rhizo-Glide Additive | 1.0 g / L [0.1%] | 1/4 tsp [1.25 ml] |
Extends plate life to 12+ months and induces aggressive rhizomorphic “searching”. |
| Reverse Spherification | 5.0 g / L [0.5%] | 1.25 tsp [6.25 ml] |
High-density internal slurry for round Alginate beads. |
| Substrate/Soil Hydrogel | 2.0 g / L [0.2%] | 1/2 tsp [2.5 ml] |
Add to hydration water. Locks moisture into fibers or soil; releases it as demanded by mycelium/roots. |
| Vermiculture Buffer | 1.0 g / L [0.1%] | 1/4 tsp [1.25 ml] |
Add to hydration water. Stabilizes moisture in worm bedding; protects worms from desiccation in dry climates. |
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