MEM
MEM
Gibco™

MEM

MEM (Minimum Essential Medium) is one of the most commonly used of all cell culture media. MEM can be usedRead more
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Catalog NumberQuantity
110950721000 mL
11095080500 mL
1109509810 x 500 mL
110951146 x 1000 mL
Catalog number 11095072
Price (USD)
56.50
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Quantity:
1000 mL
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Price (USD)
56.50
Each
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MEM (Minimum Essential Medium) is one of the most commonly used of all cell culture media. MEM can be used with a variety of suspension and adherent mammalian cells, including HeLa, BHK-21, 293, HEP-2, HT-1080, MCF-7, fibroblasts, and primary rat astrocytes. We offer a variety of MEM modifications for a range of cell culture applications. Find the right formulation using the media selector tool.


This MEM is modified as follows:
WithWithout
• L-glutamine• HEPES
• Phenol Red 


The complete formulation is available.

Using MEM
MEM was developed by Harry Eagle, based on his earlier formulation of Basal Medium Eagle (BME). Many other modifications of MEM followed, including Glasgow’s MEM, MEM α, DMEM, and Temin’s Modification. MEM is available with Earle’s salts for use in a CO2 incubator, or with Hanks' salts for use without CO2. This product is made with Earle’s salts. MEM contains no proteins, lipids, or growth factors. Therefore, MEM requires supplementation, commonly with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). MEM uses a sodium bicarbonate buffer system (2.2 g/L), and therefore requires a 5–10% CO2 environment to maintain physiological pH.

For Research Use or Further Manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.
Specifications
Cell LineHeLa, BHK-21, 293, HEP-2, HT-1080, MCF-7, and fibroblasts
Cell TypePrimary Rat Astrocytes
ClassificationAnimal Origin-free
Concentration1 X
FormLiquid
Product TypeMEM (Minimum Essential Medium)
Serum LevelStandard Serum Supplementation
Shelf Life12 Months From Date of Manufacture
SterilitySterile-filtered
With AdditivesLow Glucose, Glutamine, Phenol Red
Without AdditivesNo HEPES, No Sodium Pyruvate
Green FeaturesSustainable packaging
Manufacturing QualitycGMP-compliant under the ISO 13485 standard
Product LineGibco™
Quantity1000 mL
Shipping ConditionRoom Temperature
Unit SizeEach
Contents & Storage
Storage conditions: 2-8° C. Protect from light
Shipping conditions: Ambient
Shelf life: 12 months from date of manufacture

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where can I find the osmolality for MEM Medium?

The osmolality is listed in the COA for the particular lot number of the medium.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How long can I keep my media after supplementing with serum?

Generally speaking, media can be used for up to three weeks after supplementation with serum. There are no formal studies to support this, but it is the rule of thumb used by our scientists.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Mammalian Cell Culture Basics Support Center.

My medium was shipped at room temperature but it is supposed to be stored refrigerated. Is it okay?

We routinely ship media that require long-term storage in the refrigerator at room temperature. We have done studies on representative media formulations to show that media can be at room temperature for up to a week without a problem.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Mammalian Cell Culture Basics Support Center.

How can I remove mycoplasma contamination from my cell culture medium?

Very often mycoplasma contamination cannot be removed from the culture so it should be discarded. You may have a unique culture that you prefer not to discard and would like to try to clean it. Ciprofloxacin and Plasmocin have reportedly been used for this application. If interested in a protocol or directions for use, check with the antibiotic supplier or published literature. Note that mycoplasma are very difficult to remove from culture and spread easily so the treated cultures should be quarantined until clear of mycoplasma, and your laboratory should be thoroughly cleaned.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

I see a decrease in growth of my culture. What should I do?

Try changing the medium or serum. Compare media formulations for differences in glucose, amino acids, and other components. Compare an old lot of serum with a new lot. Increase initial cell inoculums. Lastly, adapt cells sequentially to new medium.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.