General description
Minimum Essential Medium (MEM), developed by Harry Eagle, is
one of the most widely used of all synthetic cell culture media.[1]This is the
most enriched variation of the MEM formulation offered. It contains all 21
normal amino acids, some at increased concentrations. In addition, it contains
5 additional vitamins. Often used in cytogenetic analysis when supplemented
with fetal bovine serum (FBS).
Application
Minimum Essential Medium Eagle has been used for the
isolation of mesenchymal stem cell, adipose-derived stem cell,[2] and
osteoblast.[3]
Minimum Essential Medium Eagle is used for primary
osteoblast cultures[4] and for isolation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes
(PMN) from umbilical cord blood.[5]
Biochem/physiol Actions
MEM usually autoclaved with 0.5% bactopeptone at 15 psi for
20 min, cooled and then neutralized with NaHCO3, consistently
supported good cell growth. A similar result was obtained when the MEM and
bactopeptone were autoclaved separately. The cells grow, initially, as a
monolayer and subsequently become a stationary suspension.[6]
Preparation Note
Supplement with 0.292 g/L L-glutamine
