Common media and characteristics of cells - Database & Sql Blog Articles

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1. RPMI-1640 Medium

RPMI-1640 is one of the most commonly used cell culture media, especially for mammalian cells. It is particularly effective for culturing suspension cells such as lymphocytes, leukemic cells, and hybridoma cells. This medium supports the growth of various cell types including K-562, HL-60, Jurkat, Daudi, and IM-9. Its composition makes it ideal for both normal and malignant cell lines, especially those that grow in suspension.

2. Minimum Essential Medium (MEM)

MEM is a basic medium containing 12 essential amino acids, glutamine, and 8 vitamins. It's widely used for cultivating a variety of mammalian cell lines. MEM-Alpha is often preferred for more challenging cell types, while standard MEM works well for most common cell cultures. It serves as a foundation for many advanced cell culture applications.

3. DMEM-high sugar (standard type)

DMEM with high glucose is ideal for high-density suspension cell cultures. It’s suitable for clonal cultures where cells don’t want to detach from their original growth site. This medium is also commonly used for myeloma cells and DNA-transfected hybridoma cells, making it a versatile choice in many laboratories.

4. DMEM-low sugar (standard type)

This version of DMEM contains lower glucose levels, making it better suited for adherent cell cultures. It’s especially useful for fast-growing tumor cells that have poor adhesion properties. The reduced glucose content helps maintain a stable environment for these types of cells.

5. DMEM/F12

DMEM/F12 is a combination of two media, offering a balanced nutrient profile. It’s ideal for low-serum or serum-free cultures due to its rich composition. When combined with HEPES buffer, it enhances the medium’s buffering capacity, making it suitable for long-term cell culture. This medium is frequently used in the development of advanced cell culture protocols.

6. McCoy’s 5A

McCoy’s 5A is primarily designed for sarcoma cell cultures. It supports the growth of primary grafts like bone marrow, skin, and lung tissues. It’s also used for difficult-to-culture cells such as Jensen rat fibroblasts and certain epithelial cell lines like HT-29 and BHL-100.

7. Iscove’s Modified Dulbecco Medium (IMDM)

IMDM was developed to support the growth of red blood cells and macrophage precursors. It includes additional nutrients like selenium, pyruvate, and HEPES, which enhance its effectiveness. It’s highly nutritious and supports the rapid proliferation of B cells, T cells, and lymphoma cells, making it a popular choice for immune-related studies.

8. M-199 Medium

Developed by Morgan in the 1950s, M-199 is a defined medium mainly used for chicken embryo fibroblasts. It requires serum supplementation for long-term use but is versatile for different species and transfected cell lines.

9. Leibovitz Medium (L-15)

L-15 is ideal for culturing rapidly dividing tumor cells, especially in environments without COâ‚‚. It uses a phosphate buffer system and has an improved amino acid profile, with galactose replacing glucose for specific metabolic needs.

10. Ham’s F-10 Medium

Ham’s F-10 is specifically adapted for mouse and human diploid cells. It provides a balanced nutrient base and is often used in specialized cell culture applications.

11. Ham’s F-12 Medium

F-12 is a fundamental medium used in serum-free cultures. It supports single-cell cloning and is particularly useful when minimal serum is required, making it a key component in many advanced cell culture techniques.

12. William’s Medium E

William’s E is designed for long-term culture of rat liver epithelial cells. It provides the necessary nutrients to maintain these cells over extended periods, making it ideal for hepatocyte research.

13. MCDB 131 Medium

MCDB 131 is specifically formulated for endothelial cell cultures. It offers a supportive environment for vascular cell growth and is commonly used in angiogenesis and related studies.

14. Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Media

Opti-MEM I is a reduced-serum medium used for culturing hematopoietic cells. It provides essential nutrients while minimizing the need for serum, making it ideal for sensitive cell types.

15. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)

PHA is a mitogen that stimulates cell transformation and increases DNA synthesis. It is often used in immunological studies to activate lymphocytes and promote cell proliferation.