Minimum Essential Medium (MEM-α-HBBS) formulated in Hanks’ Buffer is a modified version of Basal Medium Eagle (BME). This formulation includes enhanced levels of amino acids, making it ideal for supporting the growth of mammalian cells in culture. GMP Bioscience produces MEM both with Earle’s salts (for CO₂ incubators) and with Hanks’ salts (for environments without CO₂).

Background

Originally developed by Harry Eagle, MEM in Hanks’ Buffer was designed to meet the distinct needs of specific cell lines. The addition of elevated amino acid concentrations improves its suitability for a wide range of cultured mammalian cells. GMP Bioscience manufactures
multiple MEM versions, including those with Earle’s buffer for CO₂ conditions and Hanks’ buffer for ambient air.

Hanks’ Buffer Composition in GMP Bioscience MEM The buffer includes:

– Potassium Chloride
– Potassium Phosphate (monobasic)
– Sodium Bicarbonate
-Sodium Chloride
– Sodium Phosphate (dibasic)

Additional Composition of MEM in Hanks’ Buffer:

-Low glucose concentration (1.00 g/L)
– Sodium bicarbonate (0.35 g/L)

(Note: Higher CO₂ levels may require a greater amount of sodium bicarbonate.)

– L-Glutamine at 2 mM (292 mg/L)

GMP Bioscience offers 122 different formulations of MEM to suit varied laboratory needs.

Applications

This MEM formulation is widely applied in culturing both adherent and suspension mammalian cells, including but not limited to:

– HeLa
– BHK-21
– 293
– HEP-2
– HT-1080
– MCF-7
– Fibroblasts
– Primary rat astrocytes

As the medium does not contain proteins, lipids, or growth factors, it is typically supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for optimal cell growth.