Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) was developed by Harry Eagle and has been used for a wide variety of cells grown in monolayer. Modified from Basal Medium Eagle (BME) to cultivate fastidious cells like normal mammalian fibroblasts and certain subtypes of HeLa cells, MEM includes higher concentrations of amino acids to achieve a protein composition similar to cultured mammalian cells. MEM containing either Hanks’ or Earle’s salts can be supplemented with non-essential amino acids for use with a variety of cell types. The formulation can be further modified by eliminating calcium, necessary for attachment, to permit growth of cells in suspension culture.

MEM-BBZ-XXX-000 is based on Earle’s balanced salts and contains 0.1 mM each (1X) of non-essential amino acids, 100X, L-alanine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, glycine, L-proline, L-serine, and 292 mg/L L-glutamine.

MEM-BBZ-XXX-000 is used to culture cells that are unable to manufacture or retain non-essential amino acids. Important considerations when selecting a nutrient medium are: cell type, culture type (i.e., monolayer, suspension, clonal), and the degree of chemical definition necessary. It is important to review literature for recommendations concerning medium type, required supplementation, and physiological parameters required for a specific cell line.

Storage/Stability

The liquid medium should be stored at 2-8°C away from direct sunlight. Deterioration of the liquid medium may be recognized by:

• Precipitate or particulate matter visible throughout the solution
• Cloudy appearance
• Color change
• pH change

The nature of supplements added may affect the storage conditions and shelf life of the medium. Product label bears expiration date.

Precautions

For research use only.