Basal Medium developed by Harry Eagle is a combination of essential nutrients in appropriate concentrations for monolayer cultivation of a wide variety of normal and transformed cells. The medium was initially developed as a result of studies to determine the nutritional requirements of HeLa cells and mouse fibroblast L cells in culture. Although there are many versions of basal medium described by Eagle, the name Basal Medium Eagle applies to only the formulation developed for HeLa cells. Basal Medium Eagle when properly supplemented supports growth of variety of diploid or primary mammalian cell cultures. Modifications to the original BME have resulted in other media, including MEM and DMEM.
C985F68, C985F69 and C985F70 is Basal Medium Eagle with Hank's salts and L-glutamine. Users are advised to review the literature for recommendations regarding medium supplementation and physiological growth requirements specific for different cell lines.
Storage and Shelf Life
1. All the powdered media and prepared liquid culture media should be stored at 2-8°C. Use before the expiry date. Inspite of above recommended storage condition, certain powdered medium may show some signs of deterioration /degradation in certain instances. This can be indicated by change in colour, change in appearance and presence of particulate matter and haziness after dissolution.
2. Preparation of concentrated medium is not recommended since free base amino acids and salt complexes having low solubility may precipitate in concentrated medium.
3. pH and sodium bicarbonate concentration of the prepared medium are critical factors affecting cell growth. This is also influenced by amount of medium and volume of culture vessel used (surface to volume ratio). For example, in large bottles, such as Roux bottles pH tends to rise perceptibly as significant volume of carbon dioxide is released. Therefore, optimal conditions of pH, sodium bicarbonate concentration, surface to volume ratio must be determined for each cell type. We recommend stringent monitoring of pH. If needed, pH can be adjusted by using sterile 1N HCl or 1N NaOH or by bubbling in carbon dioxide.
4. If required, supplements can be added to the medium prior to or after filter sterilization observing sterility precautions. Shelf life of the medium will depend on the nature of supplement added to the medium.