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Reasons to use cell culture media bags
Gibco universal cell culture bags offer flexible packaging that allows you to integrate a single-use, disposable large-volume media container with a wide variety of automated cell culture instruments, disposable bioreactor systems, and sterile connection processes, without the need for costly customization.
Explore the many benefits of using Gibco cell and tissue culture bags in your lab:
- Disposable bags conveniently pre-filled with Gibco media in a variety of formulations and sizes
- Specifically designed to increase productivity and reduce costs
- Easily integrate with most systems: universal design provides multiple connection options
- Stocked and ready when you need them
Features and benefits of Gibco cell culture bags
Figure 1. Four-port design of Gibco culture bag.
Flexible design
Gibco universal cell culture media bags are available with multiple mechanical connection methods that offer:
- Four-port design flexibility (Figure 1)
1. Female-threaded Luer
2. Blood spike
3. Male-threaded Luer
4. MPC quick connect
- Media transfer system versatility—closed system maintained by utilizing three pre-connected C-Flex tubing transfer lines
- Greater flow rate flexibility through a variety of tubing sizes (ID x OD, below)
- 1/8” x 1/4” (3.2 mm x 6.4 mm)
- 3/16” x 5/16” (4.8 mm x 7.9 mm)
- 3/8” x 5/8” (9.5 mm x 15.9 mm)
- Compatibility with the most commonly used thermoplastic tubing for sterile and aseptic connection devices
- Translucent, animal origin-free film
- Extra long tubing: 40 in (101 cm) workable tubing lengths
Ultralow density polyethylene (PE) contact layers
The product contact layer of the Gibco universal cell culture media bag is ultralow density polyethylene and has the following benefits:
- Robust, clear, and animal-origin free film
- Single-ply co-extruded film structure
- Extremely low extractable and leachable profile
- Superior gas transmission barrier properties
- Consistent film across every bag size (1–1,000 L)
Physical property |
Dimension |
Value (before/after gamma sterilization)* |
Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haze | % | 5 / 5 | ASTM D-1003 |
| Clarity | % | 98 / 98 | ASTM D-1003 |
| Transmittance | % | 93 / 93 | ASTM D-1003 |
| Tensile strength at break | MPa | 14 / 13 | ASTM D-882 |
| Elongation at break | % | 280 / 300 | ASTM D-882 |
| Elastic modulus | MPa | 370 / 350 | ASTM D-882 |
| Break at cold temperature | ºC | Below –45 / below –45 | ISO 8570 |
| Density | g/cm3 | 0.9 | ASTM D-792 |
| Water vapor transmission rate** | g/(m2.day) | 0.35 / 0.32 | ASTM F-1249 |
| Oxygen permeability** | cm3/(m2.day.atm) | <0.05 / <0.05 | ASTM D-3985 |
| Carbon dioxide permeability** | cm3/(m2.day.atm) | <0.2 / <0.2 | ASTM F-2476 |
| Film thickness | 0.325 mm | ||
| *Gamma sterilization dose 25 kGy (except parameters marked ** received 50 kGy) | |||
Conformity specs
Test |
Specification |
Result
|
|---|---|---|
| Characters |
Pass | Pass |
| Identification (A-IR spectrophotometry) |
Pass |
Pass |
| Identification (B-titanium-dioxide) |
Pass (≤4%) | Pass |
| C-titanium-dioxide |
Pass |
Pass |
| Appearance of solution S1 |
Pass |
Pass |
| Acidity or alkalinity |
≤1.5 mL 0.01 N NaOH ≤1.0 mL 0.01 N HCl |
Pass (0.60 mL) Pass (0.40 mL) |
| UV absorbance (220-340 nm) |
≤0.20 |
Pass (0.01) |
| Reducing substances |
≤0.5 mL |
Pass (0.20 mL) |
| Extractable aluminum |
≤1 ppm |
Pass |
| Extractable zinconium |
0.0 |
≤ 0.1 ppm |
| Extractable chromium |
≤0.05 ppm |
Pass |
| Extractable heavy metals |
≤2.5 ppm |
Pass |
| Extractable titanium |
≤1 ppm |
Pass |
| Extractable vanadium |
≤0.1 ppm |
Pass |
| Extractable zinc |
≤1 ppm |
Pass |
| Extractable zirconium |
≤0.1 ppm |
Pass |
| Sulphated ash |
≤1% |
Pass (0.02%) |
| Substances soluble in hexane |
NA |
Impracticable |
| Antioxidants (max. 3) |
Pass |
Pass |
| Antioxidants |
<0.3% |
Pass |
| Amides and stearates |
Pass |
Pass |
Physiochemical specs
Test |
Method |
Specification |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonvolatile residue |
USP <661> | ≤15 mg | Pass |
| Residue on ignition |
USP <661> | ≤5 mg |
Pass |
| Heavy metals |
USP <661> |
<2 ppm |
Pass |
| Buffering capacity |
USP <661> |
≤10 mL |
Pass |
Biocompatibility specs
Test |
Method
|
Specification
|
Result
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Elution test |
USP <87> | Pass |
Pass |
| Systemic injection test |
USP <88> | Class VI |
Pass |
| Intracutaneous test |
USP <88> |
Class VI | Pass |
| Buffering capacity |
USP <88> |
Class VI | Pass |
Gas transmission rates
Figure 2. Gas transmission rates of Gibco PE film compared to other culture bags on the market.
Lower is better
The Gibco PE film demonstrates significantly lower gas transmission rates in comparison to other cell and tissue culture bags on the market.
Gibco PE film construction
Figure 3. Structure of Gibco PE film.
- 50 μm Polyethylene
- 10 μm Adhesive layer
- 20 μm Ethyl vinyl alcohol (gas barrier)
- 10 μm Adhesive layer
- 230 μm Ultra low-density polyethylene (contact layer)
Gibco PE film pH stability
A shelf life stability study was conducted over a 19 month period for CD-CHO, DMEM, and FreeStyle 293. Media packaged in the Gibco PE film remains within pH specification limits.
Figure 4. Results of shelf life stability study examining pH in CD-CHO, DMEM, and FreeStyle 293 media packaged in Gibco PE film.
Customizable
Our knowledgeable packaging experts and technical specialists are ready to assist you in:
- Designing your own custom cell culture bags
- Achieving efficient, on-site processing capabilities
- Getting the technical assistance you need, when you need it
In addition, explore our media customization services for information on customized components, packaging, and QC testing.
Order media products in cell culture bags
GMP manufacturing
Gibco cell culture products are manufactured in facilities compliant with current good manufacturing practices (GMP) and adhere to a robust quality management system, helping to ensure the consistency, reliability, and high quality you can rely on.
Sustainable solutions
We are committed to delivering products that serve the research needs of our customers, while striving to develop them in a way that minimizes our use of natural resources and our impact on the environment.
Resources and support
Resources
Gibco Media Selection Tool
Find the right Gibco media for your application. Use this interactive tool to select media based upon culture type, components, additives, and format.
Cell Culture Selection Tools
Find the right cell culture products for your research with these selection tools. Search for media, FBS, plastics, transfection reagents, and more.
Gibco Cell Culture Basics
Learn best practices and fundamentals of cell culture. Topics include aseptic technique and methods for the growth and maintenance of cells in culture.
Cell Culture Videos
Explore this collection of cell culture videos providing valuable insights into techniques, resources, and the latest advancements in the field.
Cell Culture & Transfection Learning Center
Access cell culture and transfection educational resources for better experiment planning and execution.
Support
Cell Culture & Transfection Support Center
Find technical support recommendations for your cell culture and transfection workflows, including tips for experimental setup and in-depth troubleshooting help.
Need technical support? Contact our expert team for technical and application support of Laboratory Products.
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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.