MEM α (Minimum Essential Medium α) is widely used for mammalian cell culture as well as selection for transfected DHFR-negative cells. MEM α can be used with a variety of suspension and adherent mammalian cells, including keratinocytes, primary rat astrocytes, and human melanoma cells. We offer a variety of MEM α modifications for a range of cell culture applications. Find the right formulation using the media selector tool.

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Using MEM α
MEM α is a modification of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) that contains non-essential amino acids, sodium pyruvate, lipoic acid, vitamin B₁₂, biotin, and ascorbic acid. MEM α is available without nucleosides for use as a selection medium for DG44 and other DHFR-negative cells. This product is made with Earle’s salts. MEM α contains no proteins, lipids, or growth factors. Therefore, MEM α requires supplementation, commonly with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). MEM α uses a sodium bicarbonate buffer system (2.2 g/L), and therefore requires a 5–10% CO₂ environment to maintain physiological pH.