Williams' E Medium, no phenol red

Most media contain phenol red, which can quench fluorescent dyes in the visible wavelengths. Most media also contain autofluorescent components, such as riboflavin, which can reduce signal-to-background. We offer FluoroBrite DMEM and HEPES-based Live Cell Imaging Solution, which have been optimized for fluorescent imaging. We also offer a number of media without phenol red. But if none of these are reasonable options for your experiment, then we also offer BackDrop Background Suppressor ReadyProbes Reagent, which can be added to quench media autofluorescence.

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Some cell types accumulate phenol red, and this can pose a problem in the use of many fluorescent probes. Phenol red can quench visible-wavelength dyes and, although phenol red is non-fluorescent, various impurities may be fluorescent. We have many phenol red-free media to choose from. Our Live Cell Imaging Solution (HEPES-based) and our FluoroBrite DMEM have been optimized to be phenol red-free as well as to be non-autofluorescent.

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Generally speaking, media can be used for up to three weeks after supplementation with serum. There are no formal studies to support this, but it is the rule of thumb used by our scientists.

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We routinely ship media that require long-term storage in the refrigerator at room temperature. We have done studies on representative media formulations to show that media can be at room temperature for up to a week without a problem.

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Very often mycoplasma contamination cannot be removed from the culture so it should be discarded. You may have a unique culture that you prefer not to discard and would like to try to clean it. Ciprofloxacin and Plasmocin have reportedly been used for this application. If interested in a protocol or directions for use, check with the antibiotic supplier or published literature. Note that mycoplasma are very difficult to remove from culture and spread easily so the treated cultures should be quarantined until clear of mycoplasma, and your laboratory should be thoroughly cleaned.

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