Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) α is widely used in mammalian cell culture and selection of transfected DHFR-negative cells. MEM α can be used on a variety of suspended and adherent mammalian cells, including keratinocytes, primary rat astrocytes, and human melanoma cells. We offer a variety of Gibco™ MEM alpha modified media suitable for a wide range of cell culture applications. Use Medium Selection Tool Find the right recipe.
Complete Formulation.

Gibco™ MEM alpha is a modified version of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) that contains non-essential amino acids, sodium pyruvate, lipoic acid, vitamin B₁₂, biotin and ascorbic acid . MEM α is also available in a nucleoside-free version for use as a selection medium for DG44 and other DHFR-negative cells. This product is made from Earle's Balanced Salt.

cGMP Production and Quality System
To ensure the stability of the supply chain, Gibco™ MEM α is produced simultaneously in two independent factories in Grand Island, New York and Scotland, United Kingdom. Both factories comply with cGMP production requirements, are ISO 13485 certified, and are FDA-registered medical device manufacturers.

MEM alpha contains no proteins, lipids or growth factors. Therefore, MEM α requires supplementation, usually 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™ cell culture media in powder form requires supplementing sodium bicarbonate, adjusting pH, and filtering (see Experimental protocol).