Introduction to the basic ingredients contained in the cell culture medium

Cell culture medium is not only the essential foundation for providing nutrients and supporting cell proliferation, but also the environment where cells grow and reproduce. Today, Shanghai Hengyuan shares an in-depth look at the key components that make up this vital solution: · Amino Acids Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Different cell types have varying requirements, and some cannot be synthesized by the cells themselves, making them essential for growth. These are known as essential amino acids. Among them, glutamine plays a critical role in the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. Without sufficient glutamine, cells may grow poorly or even die. As a result, many culture media contain high levels of glutamine. However, glutamine is unstable in aqueous solutions, so it should be stored at -20°C and added just before use. If the medium with glutamine is kept at 4°C for more than two weeks, additional glutamine should be replenished to maintain its effectiveness. · Carbohydrates Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source for cell growth. In addition, they are involved in the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, contributing to overall cellular function and metabolism. · Inorganic Salts Inorganic salts help maintain osmotic balance within the culture medium. Osmotic pressure is a crucial factor in cell viability. Most cells can tolerate a range between 260 and 320 mOsm/kg, and standard culture media are formulated to keep this range stable, ensuring optimal conditions for cell survival. · Buffer System Cells typically thrive in a pH range of 7.2 to 7.4, though this can vary depending on the cell type. For example, fibroblasts prefer a slightly higher pH (7.4–7.7), while certain transformed cell lines may require a more acidic environment (7.0–7.4). The buffer system in the medium helps maintain a consistent pH, which is essential for healthy cell growth. · Vitamins While serum is a common source of vitamins in cell culture, many commercial media include a variety of vitamins to support a broader range of cell lines. This ensures that even cells with specific nutritional needs can thrive in the culture environment. · Additional Components Some complex media formulations include extra ingredients to enhance cell performance. For instance, DMEM, widely used in hybridoma technology, often requires the addition of sodium pyruvate and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-Me). 2-Me is believed to promote cell growth and is sometimes compared to fetal bovine serum due to its stimulatory effects on cell proliferation. It is an important additive in many specialized culture systems.

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