Middlebrook 7H10 Agar 20. Middlebrook 7H10 Agar contains a variety of inorganic salts which provide substances essential for the growth of mycobacteria. The sodium citrate, when converted to citric acid, holds certain inorganic cations in solution. Glycerol is an abundantsource of carbon and energy. Oleic acid, as well as other long chain fatty acids, can be utilized by tubercle bacilli and plays animportant role in the metabolism of mycobacteria. Catalase destroys toxic peroxides that may be present in the medium.The primary effect of albumin is that of protection of the tubercle bacilli against toxic agents, therefore enhancing their recovery by primary isolation. Partial inhibition of bacteria is achieved by the presence of the malachite green dye. Used in qualitative procedures for the isolation and cultivation of Mycobacteria.