Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Assay — MIC Determination

The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay is a quantitative in vitro method that determines the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent — such as a food preservative, essential oil, or synthetic antibiotic — that visibly inhibits the growth of a target microorganism. Widely used in food science, microbiology, and pharmaceutical research, it provides a reproducible numerical threshold that guides formulation, safety assessment, and regulatory compliance decisions.