Minimum Essential Medium Eagle, Alpha Modification (Alpha MEM)
(1X), Liquid
With L-glutamine

Catalog Number 
LM 008-01
(with ribonucleosides and deoxyribonucleodises)

LM 008-02
(without ribonucleosides and eoxyribonucleodises)
Storage Temperature 2~8°C

Product Description
Minimum Essential Medium, Alpha Modification (Alpha MEM) has the modified formulation of MEM, containing additional amino acids and vitamins, which is suitable for transfection of foreign DNA to mammalian cells. MEM was developed by Harry Eagle and has been used for wide variety of cells grown in monolayer. Basal Medium Eagle (BME), previously developed, could not meet the specific nutritional requirements for cultivating normal mammalian fibroblasts and certain subtypes of HeLa cells. MEM includes high concentration of amino acids so that it can more closely approximate the protein composition of cultured mammalian cells. The formulation of MEM containing either Hanks’ or Earle’s salts can be supplemented by optional non-essential amino acids for the variable types of cells. The formulation can be further modified by optional elimination of calcium, necessary for attachment, to permit growth of cells in suspension culture.

LM 008-01 is based on the Earle’s balanced salts, and contains 292 mg/L of L-glutamine, 110 mg/L of sodium pyruvate, deoxyribonucleosides and ribonucleosides. LM 008-02 is based on the Earle’s balanced salts, and contains 292 mg/L of L-glutamine, but no deoxyribonucleosides and no ribonucleosides. For good transfection, add deoxyribonucleosides and ribonucleosides at the approximate concentration. The selection of a nutrient medium is strongly influenced by (1) type of cell, (2) type of culture (monolayer, suspension, or clonal), and (3) degree of chemical definition necessary. It is important to review the literature for recommendations concerning medium, supplementation and physiological parameters required for a specific cell line.

Storage/Stability
The liquid medium should be stored at 2~8°C in the dark. Deterioration of the liquid medium may be recognized by (1) precipitate or particulate matter throughout the solution, (2) cloudy appearance, (3) color change, and/or (4) pH change. The nature of supplements added may affect storage conditions and shelf life of the medium. Product label bears expiration date.

Biological Performance Characteristics
The growth-promoting capacities of alpha MEM are tested in a medium containing 5~10% FBS using an appropriate cell line(s). Growth rates are examined through three subculture generations and compared with parallel cultures grown in standardized control medium. Cells are counted and growth is plotted as a logarithmic function of time in culture, and seeding efficiency, doubling time, and the final cell density are determined. During the testing period cultures are examined microscopically for a typical morphology and evidence of cytotoxicity.

Precautions
For In Vitro Use Only

* In effort to cater to the individual needs of our clients, Welgene provides custom products (classified as a “special order”) with variations made to the general specifications listed on the catalogue. Variations can be made in regards to 1. elimination of certain materials 2. alteration of chemical portions 3. addition of new materials and 4. change in pH.

Comparison of liquid Alpha MEM

* Nucleosides: Ribonucleosides (adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, and uridine) and deoxyribonucleosides (2’-deosyadenosine, 2’-deoxycytidine·HCl, 2’-deoxyguanosine, and thymidine)

Comparison of special ordered liquid Alpha MEM

* In effort to cater to the individual needs of our clients, Welgene provides custom products (classified as a “special order”) with variations made to the general specifications listed on the catalogue. Variations can be made in regards to 1. elimination of certain materials 2. alteration of chemical portions 3. addition of new materials and 4. change in pH