Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) 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.
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.

Gibco® 'BASIC' products offer value-minded scientists liquid cell culture media and buffer solutions at a significant price savings. As part of Life Technologies’ commitment to quality, this select range of Research Use Only products is continually tested to ensure performance and customer satisfaction.