A bacteriostat is a biological or chemical agent that causes bacteriostasis. It stops bacteria from reproducing, while not necessarily harming them otherwise. Upon removal of the bacteriostat, the bacteria usually start to grow again. Bacteriostats are often used in plastics to prevent growth of bacteria on the plastic surface. This is in contrast to bacteriocides, which kill bacteria. Bacteriostats commonly used in laboratory work include sodium azide and thimerosol.
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