MCDB media were developed in the 1970s and 1980s, primarily by Ham and associates, for the low-protein and serum free growth of specific cell types using hormones, growth factors, trace elements and/or low levels of dialyzed fetal bovine serum protein (FBSP). Each MCDB medium was formulated (quantitatively and qualitatively) to provide a defined and optimally balanced nutritional environment that selectively promoted the growth of a specific cell line.

MCDB 105 and 110 are modifications of MCDB 104 medium, optimized for long-term survival and rapid clonal growth of human diploid fibroblast-like cells (WI-38, MRC-5, IMR-90) and low passaged human foreskin fibroblasts using FBSP, hormone, and growth factor supplements.

MCDB 151, 201 and 302 are modifications of Ham's nutrient mixture F-12, designed for the growth of human keratinocytes, clonal growth of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using low levels of FBSP, extensive trace elements or no serum protein.

See specific formulations for details regarding components.

Product #	Product Name	Description	Application
M6395	MCDB 105 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements, L-glutamine and 25 mM HEPES; Formulated at 11.9 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for long term growth of diploid fibroblast-like cells, such as WI-38, MRC-5 and IMR-90. Recommended for production of virus in adherent cell cultures. HEPES increases the buffer strength of the medium and raises the maximum buffering range. Recommended for cells that grow better at a pH above 7.2.
M 6520	MCDB 110 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements, L-glutamine and 25 mM HEPES; Formulated at 15.3 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for rapid of human diploid fibroblast-like cells. Recommended for production of virus in adherent cell cultures. HEPES increases the buffer strength of the medium and raises the maximum buffering range. Recommended for cells that grow better at a pH above 7.2.
M 8537	MCDB 131 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements and L-glutamine; Without sodium bicarbonate: supplement with 1.18 gm/L sodium bicarbonate; Formulated at 11.7 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for the clonal growth of human micro-vascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). Buffered with bicarbonate instead of HEPES.
M 6645	MCDB 151 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements, L-glutamine; and 28 mM HEPES; Without sodium bicarbonate: supplement with 1.176 gm/L sodium bicarbonate; Formulated at 17.7 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for the growth of primary human keratinocytes. HEPES increases the buffer strength of the medium and raises the maximum buffering range. Recommended for cells that grow better at a pH above 7.2.
M 7403	MCDB 153 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements, L-glutamine; and 28 mM HEPES; Without sodium bicarbonate: supplement with 1.176 gm/L sodium bicarbonate; Formulated at 17.7 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for clonal and long term growth of human epidermal keratinocytes under serum free conditions. M 7403 is more extensively supplemented than M 6645, especially with trace elements. HEPES increases the buffer strength of the medium and raises the maximum buffering range. Recommended for cells that grow better at a pH above 7.2.
M 6770	MCDB 201 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements, L-glutamine; and 30 mM HEPES; Formulated at 17.7 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for clonal growth of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). CEF cells are used for virus production. HEPES increases the buffer strength of the medium and raises the maximum buffering range. Recommended for cells that grow better at a pH above 7.2.
M 2021	MCDB 302 Medium	Powder Complete with trace elements and L-glutamine; Without nucleosides and sodium bicarbonate: supplement with 1.18 gm/L sodium bicarbonate; Formulated at 11.0 grams of powder per liter of medium; Cell culture tested	Originally developed for clonal growth of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Buffered with bicarbonate instead of HEPES.
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