HepExtend™ Supplement (50X) - FAQs

View additional product information for HepExtend™ Supplement (50X) - FAQs (A2737501)

7 product FAQs found

What is HepExtend Supplement?

HepExtend Supplement (50X) is an enriched supplement designed to enhance the culture lifespan (cell viability, function, and number of days in culture) of cryopreserved primary hepatocytes. We recommend using the supplement in conjunction with William's E Medium (Cat. No. A1217601) and Hepatocyte Maintenance Supplement Pack (Cat. No. CM4000), following the recommended hepatocyte culture methods. When cultured in the presence of the HepExtend Supplement, primary human hepatocyte lots will live and be functional for 10 days or longer depending on the lot of cells and other assay conditions. HepExtend Supplement does not contain growth factors, cytokines, fetal bovine serum, or pharmaceutical small molecules that are known to interfere with primary hepatocyte function.

Has Gibco HepExtend Supplement been tested on animal primary hepatocytes?

At this time, Gibco HepExtend Supplement has only been tested on cryopreserved human hepatocytes; we therefore cannot recommend using this supplement on other species.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How much longer can hepatocytes be kept in culture when using Gibco HepExtend Supplement?

We recommend that Gibco HepExtend Supplement be used to keep hepatocytes in culture for up to 10 days, and it has been shown to work on approximately 80% of human lots tested-including metabolism-qualified, induction-qualified, and transporter-qualified lots.

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Do I need to use special culturing methods when using Gibco HepExtend Supplement?

Gibco HepExtend Supplement is compatible with current hepatocyte culturing methods and instrumentation and therefore, we recommend following the Gibco Thawing and Plating Cryopreserved Hepatocytes protocol that is available on our website.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

Does Gibco HepExtend Supplement contain any FBS?

Gibco HepExtend Supplement does not contain growth factors, cytokines, FBS, or pharmaceutical small molecules. However, it does contain small amounts of BSA (0.12375 g/mL at 50X).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.

How many freeze/thaw cycles can Gibco HepExtend Supplement undergo?

We recommend putting the Gibco HepExtend Supplement through no more than two freeze/thaw cycles. Therefore, we recommend that Gibco HepExtend Supplement be thawed and divided into single-use aliquots, which are then stored in a non-frost-free freezer at -20 degrees C to -5 degrees C.

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What are the components of the HepExtend Media Kit (Cat. No.A2933701)?

The HepExtend Media Kit contains the following components needed to make the complete medium for hepatocyte culture:

- HepExtend Supplement (50X) (Cat. No.A2737501)
- Williams E Medium (500 mL) (Cat. No.A1217601)
- Primary Hepatocyte Maintenance Supplements (Cat. No.CM4000)

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Culture Support Center.