Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic derivative of penicillin, active as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is inactivated by beta-lactamases and for this reason a beta-lactamase inhibitor should be considered when using ampicillin. Against gram-positive bacteria, ampicillin has a similar mode of action as benzylpenicillin; against gram-negative bacteria, it has a similar mode of action as chloramphenicol and tetracyclines. In E. coli it inhibits cell wall synthesis.
Ampicillin Trihydrate is commonly used to select for ampicillin resistance in mutated and transformed cells. It is also described for the use of inhancing luminol chemiluminescence.
A β-lactam antibiotic with an amino group side chain attached to the penicillin structure. Penicillin derivative that inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis (peptidoglycan cross-linking) by inactivating transpeptidases on the inner surface of the bacterial cell membrane. Bactericidal only to growing Escherichia coli. Mode of resistance: Cleavage of β-lactam ring of ampicillin by β-lactamase. Antimicrobial spectrum: Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Key Applications: Antibiotic
Application Areas: Molecular Biology
Product Type: Biochemicals
Biochemical Category: Antibiotics
Chemical Class: Antibiotics
Melting Point: 198-200°C (Lit.)
Presentation: Powder
Format: Powder
pKa: At 25°C, pKa = 2.5 (-COOH), pKa = 7.3 (-NH2) (Lit.)
Solubility: Soluble in 1 M Ammonium Hydroxide (50 mg/mL), dilute acids (50 mg/mL 1 M HCl) or bases; slightly soluble in water (10 mg/mL); practically insoluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether and fixed oils.
Sterilization of Solutions: Autoclaving solutions of ampicillin will destroy activity. Solutions can be sterilized by filtration (0.22 um filter) and stored frozen (-20°C or below). Frozen solutions can be stored for up to 3 months.
Storage & Handling: Store at +4°C.