Bac Water
Also known as Bacteriostatic water, Bac water
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative. It is a laboratory diluent, and the benzyl alcohol limits bacterial growth in multiple-use containers.
Laboratory supply
Size
3 options- Catalog no.
- WA1-03
- Specification
- 3ml*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water with a small amount of benzyl alcohol, typically 0.9%, added as a bacteriostatic preservative. The preservative slows or stops the growth of many bacteria but does not sterilize contents that are already contaminated. It is a laboratory supply, not a research compound, and has no pharmacological target of interest. Benzyl alcohol has its own safety literature: it has been linked to a fatal gasping syndrome in premature newborns, which is why preserved diluents are avoided in that population.
Class: Laboratory diluent (sterile water with benzyl alcohol)
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that disrupts bacterial cell membranes, which inhibits bacterial growth at the concentrations used.
It is bacteriostatic rather than sterilizing: it does not reliably kill spores or all microorganisms.
In the body, benzyl alcohol is oxidized to benzoic acid, conjugated with glycine, and excreted as hippuric acid. Immature metabolism in premature newborns allows it to accumulate.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
This is a laboratory supply rather than a research compound.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Bacteriostatic water is a supply item rather than a research compound, and its preservative inhibits but does not reliably kill microorganisms. Benzyl alcohol has been linked to fatal gasping syndrome and metabolic acidosis in premature newborns, and hypersensitivity reactions to benzyl alcohol have been reported.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA1-03 | Bac Water | 3ml*10vials | 10 |
| WA1-05 | Bac Water | 5ml*10vials | 10 |
| WA1-10 | Bac Water | 10ml*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.