Kanamycin Monosulfate

Kanamycin sulfate is an antimicrobial agent effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and mycoplasma. It binds to the 70S ribosomal subunit, inhibits translocation, and elicits miscoding. Cross-resistance occurs between kanamycin and neomycin, framycetin, and paromomycin, and partial cross-resistance has been reported between kanamycin and streptomycin. Aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (acetyltransferase, phosphotransferase, nucleotidyltransferase) alter the antibiotic, preventing its interaction with ribosomes.

Kanamycin Sulfate used in biotechnology applications to inhibit protein synthesis. Active against many strains of Gram-negative bacteria and Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermis. Some strains of Mycobacterium are sensitive. Most active in alkaline solution. Kanamycin sulfate can also be used as a selection agent for cells transformed with kanamycin B resistance gene.

Add the appropriate amount of powder to water while mixing (not the reverse), as adding water to the powders may result in insoluble mixtures that cannot be filtered without losing potency. If desired, the pH may be adjusted, but a basal media with greater than 2 g/L sodium bicarbonate can easily absorb up to 2% of an acidic antibiotic solution; therefore, an antibiotic solution with an acidic pH would not influence the pH of the media. After ensuring that the resultant solution is transparent, sterile filter and store in small aliquots at appropriate temperature until use. Prior to use of the media, aseptically add the appropriate amount of antibiotic to the basal media in order to obtain the required working concentration. Mix well and sterile filter if asepsis is believed to have been compromised.

Once added to the agar plate and the plates are not sealed from moisture, kanamycin sulfate is prone to degradation.