Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) is a modification of Basal Medium Eagle (BME). It was developed by Harry Eagle to meet the specific nutritional requirements of certain subtypes of HeLa cells and normal mammalian fibroblasts. MEM includes higher concentration of amino acids so as to closely approximate the protein composition of cultured mammalian cells. MEM can be used either with Earle's salts or Hank's salts and can also be additionally supplemented with non-essential amino acids (NEAA). This medium can be further modified by eliminating calcium to facilitate growth of cells in suspension cultures.
C985F51, C985F52 and C985F53 is Joklik modification of Minimum Essential Medium. This medium is designed for use with suspension cells, hence does not contain calcium. 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. In spite 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.