TB medium (Terrific Broth) recipe
Grows E. coli to much higher density than LB for better plasmid and protein yields.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptone | 6 g | 1.2% |
| Yeast extract | 12 g | 2.4% |
| Glycerol | 2 mL | 0.4% |
| KH₂PO₄ (sterilised separately) | 1.155 g | 17 mM |
| K₂HPO₄ (sterilised separately) | 6.27 g | 72 mM |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Dissolve tryptone, yeast extract and glycerol in 90% of the final volume and autoclave.
- Dissolve the two phosphates in 10% of the final volume and autoclave separately.
- Combine once both have cooled.
Good to know
- Autoclaving phosphate with the rest causes precipitation, hence separate sterilisation.
FAQ
Can I use TB for minipreps?
Yes, but the extra biomass may need more lysis buffer.
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.