MINIMUM ESSENTIAL MEDIUM (MEM)

A modification of BME featuring increased amino acid levels to more closely resemble the protein content of human cells. MEM serves as a general used medium ideal for the growth and maintenance of a wide range of mammalian cell types. Often used to support anchorage-dependent cells, however modified solutions can be used to support other cell types including calcium-free MEM for suspension cultures and MEM with Hanks’ salts for diploid cells.

Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) with Earle’s Balanced Salts is a modification of Eagle’s earlier Basal Medium (BME) which contains a higher concentration of essential nutrients. These media promote the growth of a variety of normal and transformed cells. Since they contain Earle’s Balanced Salts, they are suitable for use in atmospheres charged with CO₂ gas.

Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) is a modification of Eagle’s earlier medium Basal Medium Eagle (BME). This MEM w/ Hanks’ Salts formulation contains Hank’s salts for use without CO2.

MEM α is a modification of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) that contains non-essential amino acids, sodium pyruvate, thioctic acid, vitamin B12, biotin, and ascorbic acid. MEM α – Modification can be used with a variety of suspension and adherent mammalian cells, including keratinocytes, primary rat astrocytes, and human melanoma cells.