Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of microorganisms is generally defined as the lowest concentration of an active substance at which the growth of a bacterium is still inhibited. Among other things, MIC testing is used in the development of new pharmaceuticals or products if the biocidal effect of a substance or product needs to be known. The minimal inhibitory concentration can be used, for example, to make a statement about the efficacy of an antibiotic or the resistance of a particular pathogen. The substance or product to be investigated is tested against a spectrum of microorganisms tailored to the application, for example, to investigate the influence on the typical skin flora or organ-typical flora of a target patient.

The constituents of each formulation can be tested individually or in combination under the same aspect. Substances or formulations with broad-spectrum biocidal activity can also be tested, which can then be used for a variety of products. One example is the testing of possible concentrations of preservation agents used in different formulations. To determine the effectiveness of a preservative agent in the actual formulation, a preservative stress test is then required. This test is also conducted by Labor LS.

Labor LS offers the bouillon dilution method, the agar diffusion method and the agar dilution method for the MIC determination and tailors the test individually to the requirements and respective areas of application of the customer.