MEM α (Minimum Essential Medium 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. For a wide range of cell culture applications, a variety of MEM alpha modified media are provided. Use Medium Selection Tool Find the right recipe.

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Using MEM α
MEM α 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 MEM has been modified to contain no ascorbic acid. 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.

cGMP Manufacturing and Quality Systems
MEM α is manufactured in a cGMP compliant facility in Grand Island, New York. The factory is an FDA-registered medical device manufacturer and is certified to the ISO 13485 standard.