Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) is a widely used cell culture medium formulated to support the growth of a variety of mammalian cells in vitro. It was developed by Renato Dulbecco and Marguerite Vogt in the late 1950s as a modification of the original Eagle’s Basal Medium, which was formulated by Harry Eagle.
DMEM typically contains a balanced mixture of essential nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins, salts, glucose, and other components, to provide an environment conducive to cell growth and proliferation. The specific composition of DMEM can vary depending on the cell line being cultured and the research requirements. For example, it can be supplemented with additional components, such as:
- Fetal bovine serum (FBS) or other animal sera: These provide additional growth factors, hormones, and proteins that support cell growth and function.
- Antibiotics: These help prevent bacterial contamination in the cell culture.
- L-glutamine: This is an essential amino acid that supports cell metabolism and growth.
- Non-essential amino acids: These can also be added to further support cell growth and function.
There are several commercially available formulations of DMEM, including high-glucose, low-glucose, and pyruvate-free variations. The choice of DMEM formulation depends on the specific needs of the cell line being cultured and the experimental goals. It is important to use the appropriate formulation and to follow proper sterile techniques to maintain the health of the cells in culture.
