Engineered for flexibility and convenience
Save your lab’s valuable cold storage space with Gibco BenchStable Media, engineered for flexibility and convenience and enabling storage at room temperature. Available in the most commonly used basal media formulations: DMEM, DMEM/F-12, MEM, and RPMI 1640. BenchStable media have been optimized for routine cell culture, maintaining expected morphology and function of many common cell lines.
- Stable at room temperature—no need to refrigerate means it’s ready when you need it
- Flexibility—store it anywhere: on your lab bench or in the refrigerator
- Easy to use—direct replacement for your current media when supplemented with ≥ 10% FBS
- Light protection—bottles provided in protective packaging to mitigate the risk of light exposure; no more wrapping bottles in foil
Sustainable solutions
Gibco BenchStable Media have more sustainable packaging and helps reduce energy consumption by promoting the efficient use of cold storage when compared to traditional media.
Energy efficient
Globally, a switch by scientists to Gibco BenchStable media from current refrigerated media would save 34 GWh of energy each year, equivalent to the yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from more than 5,000 passenger cars.
Recyclable materials
BenchStable media is packaged in the Gibco bottle made from PET with HDPE lid—two of the most highly recycled plastics. The media bottle comes in protective packaging, a paperboard box made from 100% recyclable material, to prevent degradation from light exposure.
Protective packaging
While the paperboard box is added packaging, it contributes 0.05 lb of CO2 equivalents compared with the 6.5 lb of CO2 equivalents saved by enabling ambient media storage, resulting in a 6.45 lb of CO2 equivalents benefit with a switch to BenchStable media.
Reliable results for routine cell culture
BenchStable media maintain expected growth rates
Figure 1. BenchStable media support equivalent growth rates in long term cultures. HeLa (MEM; pink), HEK293 (DMEM; blue), Jurkat (RPMI; green), and SH-SY5Y (DMEM/F-12; yellow) cells were grown in standard (closed points) and BenchStable (open points) media supplemented with 10% FBS for 15 passages. Cell counts at each passage were used to calculate population doubling times.
Figure 2. BenchStable media support equivalent growth rates in short-term cultures. A549 (MEM; pink), MCF7 (DMEM; blue), THP-1 (RPMI; green), and CHO-K1 (DMEM/F-12; yellow) cells were grown in standard (closed points) and BenchStable (open points) media supplemented with 10% FBS for 5 passages. Cell counts at each passage were used to calculate population doubling times.
BenchStable media maintain cell morphology
BenchStable media maintain cell health
Figure 5. Cells cultured in BenchStable media maintain healthy mitochondria. HeLa cells cultured in DMEM (left) and BenchStable DMEM (right) for eight passages were stained with tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM; Cat. No. T668) and Hoechst (Cat. No. 33342). TMRM is a cell-permeant dye that accumulates in active mitochondria, resulting in a bright signal in healthy cells.
Equivalent transfection efficiency
Figure 6. Equivalent transfection efficiency in BenchStable media cultures. HeLa cells cultured in MEM (left) and BenchStable MEM (right) for over five passages were transfected with a GFP-containing plasmid DNA via Lipofectamine 3000 (Cat. No. L3000015). Transfection efficiency was measured in cells harvested 24 h post-transfection by analysis on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer, using untransfected cells as negative control.
Comparable gene expression with cells in BenchStable media
In creating this next innovation in cell culture media, we took great care to help ensure BenchStable Media will provide the quality and consistency that you rely on. Figure 8 shows the negative impact light has on all standard media and is the reason behind our protective packaging. Figure 9 illustrates that essential vitamin and amino acid levels are consistently maintained in BenchStable media that are stored at ambient room temperatures.
Light negatively impacts standard basal media performance
BenchStable media maintain necessary vitamin and amino acid levels
Figure 9. Media components remain consistent in BenchStable media. BenchStable RPMI (left) and BenchStable DMEM/F-12 (right) media were maintained at room temperature (20–25°C) for 13 months. Samples taken at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 13 months were assessed for vitamin and amino acid concentrations via HPLC and compared with concentrations in lot-matched media stored at 2–8°C.
Customer stories
The convenience of storage is great. It is also very helpful not to have to wait for the media to warm up. I have cultured both my murine tumor cell lines and human cell lines with BenchStable media and my standard media and the results were comparable. Our fridge is packed full; therefore it is a benefit to have the flexibility to store BenchStable media on our lab benches or in a cabinet.
— Nathalie Heider-Hoenatsch, PhD Candidate, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
I’ve been using your room temperature stable media for the past few weeks, and it’s been great. There’s no noticeable difference between BenchStable DMEM and standard DMEM. The cells we’ve been using have been growing at the same rate and maintaining the same phenotype in both types of media (across 4 passages). Room temperature storage is great because we have more storage space in the lab (at room temperature) than we have in the refrigerator.
— Janty Shoga, Research Engineer, Gemstone Biotherapeutics LLC
BenchStable media are extremely convenient to use. We were able to avoid the process of warming the media before use, hence saving us time. The media since stored at room temperature saves a lot of space in the refrigerator, which can be occupied by other reagents. Recently, we had a power outage for 2 days due to a hurricane and did not have to worry about the storage or stability of BenchStable media. Performance-wise our MDA-MB and MCF-7 cells adhered and proliferated similarly to conventional media making it super convenient.
— Dr. Vivek A Kamat, Florida International University, USA
In recent weeks, I have used the new Gibco BenchStable DMEM for mouse myeloma cells and various mouse hybridoma cells. The results regarding cell growth and monoclonal antibody yield were comparable to the original Gibco DMEM. The big advantage of BenchStable DMEM is the storage at room temperature and no need to warm the media before use. I give a 100% recommendation for these innovative new media.
— Sabine Buchmeier, Antibody Facility, Braunschweig, Germany
BenchStable media maintain expected growth rates
Figure 1. BenchStable media support equivalent growth rates in long term cultures. HeLa (MEM; pink), HEK293 (DMEM; blue), Jurkat (RPMI; green), and SH-SY5Y (DMEM/F-12; yellow) cells were grown in standard (closed points) and BenchStable (open points) media supplemented with 10% FBS for 15 passages. Cell counts at each passage were used to calculate population doubling times.
Figure 2. BenchStable media support equivalent growth rates in short-term cultures. A549 (MEM; pink), MCF7 (DMEM; blue), THP-1 (RPMI; green), and CHO-K1 (DMEM/F-12; yellow) cells were grown in standard (closed points) and BenchStable (open points) media supplemented with 10% FBS for 5 passages. Cell counts at each passage were used to calculate population doubling times.
BenchStable media maintain cell morphology
BenchStable media maintain cell health
Figure 5. Cells cultured in BenchStable media maintain healthy mitochondria. HeLa cells cultured in DMEM (left) and BenchStable DMEM (right) for eight passages were stained with tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM; Cat. No. T668) and Hoechst (Cat. No. 33342). TMRM is a cell-permeant dye that accumulates in active mitochondria, resulting in a bright signal in healthy cells.
Equivalent transfection efficiency
Figure 6. Equivalent transfection efficiency in BenchStable media cultures. HeLa cells cultured in MEM (left) and BenchStable MEM (right) for over five passages were transfected with a GFP-containing plasmid DNA via Lipofectamine 3000 (Cat. No. L3000015). Transfection efficiency was measured in cells harvested 24 h post-transfection by analysis on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer, using untransfected cells as negative control.
Comparable gene expression with cells in BenchStable media
In creating this next innovation in cell culture media, we took great care to help ensure BenchStable Media will provide the quality and consistency that you rely on. Figure 8 shows the negative impact light has on all standard media and is the reason behind our protective packaging. Figure 9 illustrates that essential vitamin and amino acid levels are consistently maintained in BenchStable media that are stored at ambient room temperatures.
Light negatively impacts standard basal media performance
BenchStable media maintain necessary vitamin and amino acid levels
Figure 9. Media components remain consistent in BenchStable media. BenchStable RPMI (left) and BenchStable DMEM/F-12 (right) media were maintained at room temperature (20–25°C) for 13 months. Samples taken at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 13 months were assessed for vitamin and amino acid concentrations via HPLC and compared with concentrations in lot-matched media stored at 2–8°C.
Customer stories
The convenience of storage is great. It is also very helpful not to have to wait for the media to warm up. I have cultured both my murine tumor cell lines and human cell lines with BenchStable media and my standard media and the results were comparable. Our fridge is packed full; therefore it is a benefit to have the flexibility to store BenchStable media on our lab benches or in a cabinet.
— Nathalie Heider-Hoenatsch, PhD Candidate, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
I’ve been using your room temperature stable media for the past few weeks, and it’s been great. There’s no noticeable difference between BenchStable DMEM and standard DMEM. The cells we’ve been using have been growing at the same rate and maintaining the same phenotype in both types of media (across 4 passages). Room temperature storage is great because we have more storage space in the lab (at room temperature) than we have in the refrigerator.
— Janty Shoga, Research Engineer, Gemstone Biotherapeutics LLC
BenchStable media are extremely convenient to use. We were able to avoid the process of warming the media before use, hence saving us time. The media since stored at room temperature saves a lot of space in the refrigerator, which can be occupied by other reagents. Recently, we had a power outage for 2 days due to a hurricane and did not have to worry about the storage or stability of BenchStable media. Performance-wise our MDA-MB and MCF-7 cells adhered and proliferated similarly to conventional media making it super convenient.
— Dr. Vivek A Kamat, Florida International University, USA
In recent weeks, I have used the new Gibco BenchStable DMEM for mouse myeloma cells and various mouse hybridoma cells. The results regarding cell growth and monoclonal antibody yield were comparable to the original Gibco DMEM. The big advantage of BenchStable DMEM is the storage at room temperature and no need to warm the media before use. I give a 100% recommendation for these innovative new media.
— Sabine Buchmeier, Antibody Facility, Braunschweig, Germany
Try our full suite of room temperature–stable products
TrypLE Dissociation Reagent
These highly purified, recombinant enzymes provide fast yet gentle cell dissociation. Ideal for dissociating attachment-dependent cell lines, TrypLE reagents can be directly substituted for trypsin without protocol changes.
GlutaMAX Supplement
Extend the life of your cells with GlutaMAX supplement. Stable in aqueous solutions and does not spontaneously degrade. This improved cell culture supplement can be used as a direct substitute for L-glutamine in your cell culture media.
BenchStable Media Videos
Watch these videos to learn how you can break through your lab's limitations in cold-storage space with BenchStable Media.
BenchStable Media Literature
The coolest new media are totally uncool
Get out of the cold and warm up to room temperature stable cell culture media.
Order BenchStable Media
Want to save valuable cold storage space?
Add new room temperature stable Gibco BenchStable media to your Supply Center to save refrigerator space. These innovative media are available in the most commonly used formulations: DMEM, DMEM/F-12, MEM, and RPMI 1640.
Warm Up to our BenchStable Media
Already using Gibco media? Here is a quick cross reference to help you make-the-switch. BenchStable Media contain GlutaMAX Supplement and Phenol Red.
Product Description | Current Catalog SKU | BenchStable SKU |
---|---|---|
DMEM/F12 with GlutaMAX | 10565018 (500mL) | A4192001 (500mL) |
10565042 (10 x 500mL) | A4192002 (10 x 500mL) | |
DMEM with GlutaMAX | 10566016 (500mL) | A4192101 (500mL) |
10566024 (10 x 500mL) | A4192102 (10 x 500mL) | |
MEM with GlutaMAX | 41090036 (500mL) | A4192201 (500mL) |
41090101 (10 x 500mL) | A4192202 (10 x 500mL) | |
RPMI with GlutaMAX | 61870036 (500mL) | A4192301 (500mL) |
61870127 (10 x 500mL) | A4192302 (10 x 500mL) |
What is the shelf-life of BenchStable media?
BenchStable Media has a 12-month shelf life, consistent with our standard basal media offerings.
How should complete or supplemented media be stored?
Complete media, for example media supplemented with 10% FBS, should be stored in the refrigerator (4°C).
How long is BenchStable media good for after bottle has been opened?
To reduce the chances of contamination and the impact of pH drift, we recommend consuming media within 2–4 weeks after it has been opened.
What is the recommended usage timeframe after addition of serum?
Generally speaking, media can be used for up to 2–4 weeks after supplementation with serum. There are no formal studies to support this, but it is the rule of thumb used by our scientists.
How long can medium be exposed to light source before affecting cell growth?
We observe rapid degradation of several components within days resulting from exposure to common fluorescent lights. We have observed decreased cell growth using light exposed media.
Is degradation due to light exposure only limited to fluorescent lights?
The data we provide were generated from testing of our refrigerated catalog media following exposure to fluorescent light illustrates the necessity of having light protection. While we have not tested on other light spectrums; we recommend that you store media protected from any light exposure.
Would BenchStable medium be stable if received partially or completely frozen?
Yes, the BenchStable medium should be stable for use if received partially or completely frozen.
Can the box provided with BenchStable medium be stored in refrigerator?
Yes, the box provided with our BenchStable medium has properties that offers some resistance to moisture generated in a refrigerator environment.
Can I store BenchStable media cold?
Yes, BenchStable media can alternatively be stored at 2–8°C
Will the shelf-life of BenchStable media improve if stored at lower temperature?
BenchStable media is stable at room temperature. The shelf life will remain unchanged whether stored cold or at ambient temperature. Ambient as defined by The United States Pharmacopeial Convention: The temperature maintained thermostatically that encompasses the usual and customary working environment of 20°–25° (68°–77° F). The following conditions also apply. Mean kinetic temperature not to exceed 25°. Excursions between 15° and 30° (59° and 86° F) are allowed.
Do you offer other cell culture reagents that can be conveniently stored at room temperature?
We offer TrypLE dissociation reagents, which are more gentle on cells than trypsin and can be conveniently stored at room temperature (unlike trypsin). We also offer GlutaMAX supplement, which is superior in performance than L-glutamine and can be conveniently stored at room temperature.
Do you offer BenchStable medium without phenol red?
At this time, we do not offer BenchStable medium without phenol red.
What cell lines have been cultured in BenchStable medium?
We have tested our BenchStable medium for growth and morphology on following cell lines: A549, CHO-K1, HEK293, HeLa, HL-60, Jurkat, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, Neuro2A, SH-SY5Y, and THP-1.
What if I supplement with 5% FBS?
We recommend that you supplement BenchStable media with at least 10% FBS for best results. We have performed tests on limited cell types using 5% FBS concentration without compromise. Please contact technical services to ensure your specific application allows for 5% supplementation.
What if I supplement with more than 10% FBS?
We recommend that you supplement BenchStable media with at least 10% FBS for best results. If your culture method calls for greater than 10% FBS supplementation using our existing media, we recommend that you use the same concentration with BenchStable medium.
Cell Culture & Transfection Learning Center
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Media Formulation Tool
Find the right Gibco media formulation for DMEM, DMEM/F-12, MEM, and RPMI-1640 media.
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