50% glycerol recipe
The standard solution for bacterial glycerol stocks (mixed 1:1 with culture → 25%), enzyme storage and adding density to samples.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerol | 50 mL | 50% (v/v) |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Glycerol is viscous; you can weigh 630 g (density 1.26 g/mL) instead of measuring volume.
- Add water to the final volume and mix well.
- Autoclave (121 °C, 20 min) and store at room temperature.
Good to know
- Bacterial stock: 0.5 mL overnight culture + 0.5 mL 50% glycerol → −80 °C.
FAQ
What final glycerol % for bacterial stocks?
15–25% final is typical; mixing 50% glycerol 1:1 with culture gives 25%.
This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.