MCDB 131 was originally developed by the researchers Knedler and Ham for the low-protein and serum free growth of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). Since its development, this medium has been used for this cell type and others such as liver, smooth muscle, cardiac myocytes. It is one of a group of MCDB media which were designed to provide a drfined and optimally balanced nutritional environment for various mammalian cell types.