Media & Reagents

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Accutase Cell Detachment Solution - 100 ml

Accutase Cell Detachment Solution with EDTA and Phenol Red – 100 ml Accutase is a ready-to-use, sterile-filtered cell detachment solution designed as a gentle alternative to trypsin/EDTA for dissociating adherent mammalian cells from standard tissue culture plasticware and adhesion-coated surfaces. It combines proteolytic and collagenolytic enzyme activity in a balanced salt solution to deliver effective yet controlled dissociation, preserving cell-surface proteins and supporting high post-passage viability and rapid reattachment. The Accutase formulation is based on Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) with EDTA and phenol red as a visual pH indicator. The enzymes are of non-mammalian and non-bacterial origin, making Accutase particularly well suited to stem cell research, vaccine workflows, and any application where animal- or microbially-derived contaminants must be minimised. The solution auto-inhibits at 37 °C, so no neutralising reagent or serum-containing medium is required after detachment – cells can be transferred directly into fresh medium. Key Features • Ready-to-use 1x sterile-filtered liquid – no dilution or reconstitution required • Combined proteolytic and collagenolytic enzyme activity for gentle dissociation • Each batch standardised to a defined dissociation activity for lot-to-lot consistency • Non-mammalian and non-bacterial enzyme origin • Auto-inhibits at 37 °C – no neutralising solution needed • Formulated in Dulbecco’s PBS with EDTA • Phenol red included as visual pH indicator • pH 6.8 – 7.8 Typical Applications Accutase gently dissociates a wide variety of adherent and sensitive cell types, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neural stem cells, primary neurons, and routinely cultured adherent lines such as HeLa, HEK 293, CHO, MDCK, Vero, NIH/3T3, BHK-21 and A549. Typical use cases include: • Routine subculture and passaging of adherent mammalian cells • Gentle single-cell dissociation of hESCs, iPSCs and other sensitive lines • Sample preparation for flow cytometry and FACS analysis • Analysis of cell-surface markers where epitope integrity matters • Cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis assays • Quiescence assays by serum starvation and oncogene transfection studies • Tumor cell and neural crest cell migration assays • Production scale-up in bioreactor workflows For routine work, apply approximately 10 ml of Accutase per 75 cm2 of culture surface and incubate for 5–10 minutes at room temperature. The optimal incubation time should be determined for each cell line and should not exceed one hour. Prior to addition, rinse the cell layer with a Ca2+/Mg2+-free salt solution such as DPBS without calcium and magnesium to remove residual serum and divalent cations. Handling & Storage Store the unopened bottle frozen at -15 °C or below. Thaw either at room temperature or overnight at +2 °C to +8 °C. Do not thaw Accutase in a 37 °C water bath, as elevated temperatures reduce enzyme activity. After thawing, the solution can be stored for up to 2 months at +2 °C to +8 °C; do not store at room temperature. Do not pre-warm the reagent to 37 °C before application – add it directly to washed cells at room temperature. For long-term shelf life, single-use aliquoting is recommended to avoid repeated thaw cycles. Always work under aseptic conditions. Quality Manufactured under strict quality standards. Each batch of Accutase is sterile-filtered and tested for sterility, pH, appearance and dissociation activity to ensure consistent, reproducible performance from lot to lot. Product Specifications Specification Detail Product typeCell detachment / dissociation reagent FormatSterile-filtered liquid, ready-to-use Volume100 ml Working concentration1x (ready-to-use) Enzyme activityCombined proteolytic and collagenolytic Enzyme originNon-mammalian and non-bacterial Buffer systemDulbecco’s PBS with EDTA pH indicatorPhenol red pH range6.8 – 7.8 AppearanceClear, pale red to orange solution Storage temperature-15 °C or below Stability after thawingUp to 2 months at +2 °C to +8 °C Recommended use volume~10 ml per 75 cm2 culture surface Typical incubation time5 – 10 minutes at room temperature Shipping conditionsFrozen on dry ice Intended useFor research use and further manufacturing only Formulation (Composition per Liter) Accutase is a registered trademark of Innovative Cell Technologies, Inc.

€75.00

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Accutase Cell Detachment Solution - 500 ml

€310.00

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Cytion Endothelial cell growth medium, advanced, kit with 500 ml basal medium bottle plus supplement tubes and vials, REF 850006

Advanced Endothelial Cell Growth Medium

Advanced Endothelial Cell Growth Medium is used for the culture of human endothelial cells from large vessels. Defined human recombinant growth factors, including VEGF and Long R3 IGF-1, replace the crude endothelial cell growth supplement. The complete medium contains foetal calf serum, L-glutamine, heparin, EGF, bFGF, VEGF, Long R3 IGF-1, ascorbic acid and hydrocortisone. For faster expansion with a higher serum content, choose Endothelial Cell Proliferation Medium. For a formulation without VEGF, choose Endothelial Cell Growth Medium. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. The basal medium is also available phenol red-free in the same formats, which avoids interference with fluorescence and colorimetric readouts as well as the weak oestrogen-like activity of phenol red. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately. Once supplemented, the complete medium contains 2 % FCS (10 ml per 500 ml of basal medium).

€180.00

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Cytion Microvascular endothelial cell growth medium, advanced, kit with 500 ml basal medium bottle plus supplement tubes and vials, REF 850019

Advanced Microvascular Endothelial Cell Growth Medium

Advanced Microvascular Endothelial Cell Growth Medium is used for the culture of human microvascular endothelial cells, for example from dermis, lung or heart. Defined human recombinant growth factors replace the crude endothelial cell growth supplement. The complete medium contains foetal calf serum, L-glutamine, EGF, bFGF, VEGF, Long R3 IGF-1, ascorbic acid and hydrocortisone. For a formulation with ECGS/H and without VEGF, choose Microvascular Endothelial Cell Growth Medium. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. The basal medium is also available phenol red-free in the same formats, which avoids interference with fluorescence and colorimetric readouts as well as the weak oestrogen-like activity of phenol red. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately. Once supplemented, the complete medium contains 5 % FCS (25 ml per 500 ml of basal medium).

€200.00

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Antibiotic/Antimycotic Solution (100x)

Volume: 100 ml Storage: ≤-15°C Sterility: Sterile-filtered Antibiotic/Antimycotic Solution (100x) is a sterile, ready-to-use concentrate designed to reduce microbial contamination risks in cell culture and related laboratory applications. This 100x solution contains a well-established combination of penicillin, streptomycin, and amphotericin B—providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. The formulation is suitable for use in eukaryotic cell cultures, bacterial media, and other contamination-sensitive systems, supporting clean and consistent lab operations. Application and Benefits Optimized for routine research protocols, this solution is widely used to maintain aseptic conditions in cell culture workflows. It offers reliable performance in contamination-sensitive environments, helping researchers reduce the risk of microbial overgrowth without compromising cell health or experimental reproducibility. The sterile-filtered formulation eliminates the need for additional solubilization steps, supporting streamlined media preparation and reducing variability in daily lab procedures. Usage and Compatibility To achieve standard working concentrations, dilute the solution 1:100 into your complete culture medium. The product is compatible with a broad range of mammalian cell lines and basal media. With consistent stock availability, researchers benefit from dependable supply continuity and simplified logistics planning. The solution should be stored at ≤ –15 °C and protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain stability. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Not for use in humans or animals.

€45.00

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Chondrocyte Growth Medium

Chondrocyte Growth Medium is used for the monolayer expansion of human and bovine chondrocytes, for example before transfer into pellet or scaffold culture. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. The basal medium is also available phenol red-free in the same formats, which avoids interference with fluorescence and colorimetric readouts as well as the weak oestrogen-like activity of phenol red. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately. Once supplemented, the complete medium contains 10 % FCS (50 ml per 500 ml of basal medium).

€310.00

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Cytion Defined fibroblast growth medium-maintenance, kit with 500 ml basal medium bottle plus supplement tubes and vials, REF 850143

Defined Fibroblast Maintenance Medium

Defined Fibroblast Maintenance Medium is a serum-free, fully defined medium that keeps human fibroblasts in a stable state rather than driving rapid expansion. It suits secretome, extracellular matrix and compound testing work where serum would interfere. The complete medium contains L-glutamine, human recombinant bFGF and human recombinant insulin. For the expansion of fibroblasts, choose Fibroblast Growth Medium. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the serum-free supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately.

€170.00

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D-Glucose Solution (Dextrose Solution), 250 g/L

Volume: 50 ml Storage: +2°C to +8°C Sterility: Sterile-filtered D-(+)-Glucose Solution (Dextrose Solution) is a sterile, ready-to-use supplement containing the naturally occurring sugar D-(+)-glucose, a central component of cellular metabolism. Glucose is involved in essential biological processes such as energy production, glycosylation, and the formation of glycans that contribute to cellular structure and function. Application and Benefits This glucose solution is widely used as a supplement in cell culture media and in numerous cellular and molecular biology applications. As a primary carbon and energy source, glucose supports cell growth, proliferation, and metabolic activity. Its involvement in biosynthetic pathways also makes it critical for maintaining normal cellular physiology and experimental consistency. Formulation and Usage The solution is supplied at a high concentration of 250 g/L glucose, allowing flexible dilution into culture media according to experimental requirements. It is sterile-filtered to ensure suitability for contamination-sensitive applications. Store at +2°C to +8°C and handle aseptically to maintain product quality and stability. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Not for use in humans or animals.

€32.00

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DMEM:Ham's F12 (1:1), w: 3.1 g/L Glucose, w: 2.5 mM L-Glutamine, w: 15 mM HEPES, w: 0.5 mM Sodium pyruvate, w: 1.2 g/L NaHCO3

DMEM:Ham's F12 is a widely recognized and extensively utilized basal medium in cell culture for biological research. It serves as a fundamental source of nutrients for the growth of various mammalian cell lines, particularly when supplemented with Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). This unique formulation combines Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and Ham's F-12 (Ham's Nutrient Mixture F-12) in a precise 1:1 ratio. The addition of L-glutamine further enhances its composition. DMEM, derived from Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium (EMEM), offers an increased concentration of amino acids and vitamins compared to its predecessor. In contrast, Ham's F-12 is based on Ham's F-10 medium, providing a complementary set of essential components. To support optimal cell growth, it is common practice to supplement DMEM:Ham's F12 with FBS at a typical concentration of 5-10%. This addition is necessary as the medium lacks growth hormones, lipids, and proteins crucial for cellular development. DMEM:Ham's F12 incorporates a pH buffer system and is often supplemented with phenol red, a pH indicator. Cultured cells in DMEM:Ham's F12, or any medium utilizing the bicarbonate buffer system, require a controlled CO2 environment of 5-10% to maintain appropriate pH levels. Quality Control • Sterile-filtered Storage and Shelf Life • Store at +2°C to +8°C, protected from light. • Once opened, store at 4°C and use within 6–8 weeks. Shipping Conditions • Ambient temperature Maintenance • Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Avoid freezing and frequent warming to +37°C, as it reduces product quality. • Do not heat the medium beyond 37°C or use uncontrolled heat sources such as microwave appliances. • If only part of the medium is to be used, remove the required amount and warm it to room temperature before use. Composition Category Components Concentration (mg/L) Amino Acids Glycine 18.75 L-Alanine 4.45 L-Arginine HCl 147.50 L-Asparagine H₂O 7.50 L-Aspartic Acid 6.65 L-Cysteine HCl H₂O 17.56 L-Cystine 2 HCl 31.29 L-Glutamic Acid 7.35 L-Glutamine 365.00 L-Histidine HCl H₂O 31.48 L-Isoleucine 54.47 L-Leucine 59.05 L-Lysine HCl 91.25 L-Methionine 17.24 L-Phenylalanine 35.48 L-Proline 17.25 L-Serine 26.25 L-Threonine 53.45 L-Tryptophan 9.02 L-Tyrosine 2 Na 2 H2O 55.79 L-Valine 52.85 Vitamins D-Biotin 0.0035 Choline Chloride 8.98 D-Calcium Pantothenate 2.24 Folic Acid 2.66 myo-Inositol 12.60 Nicotinamide 2.02 Pyridoxine HCl 0.031 Pyridoxal HCl 2.00 Riboflavin 0.219 Thiamine HCl 2.17 Vitamin B12 0.68 Inorganic Salts CaCl2 2 H2O 154.50 CuSO4 5 H2O 0.0013 Fe(NO3)3 9 H2O 0.05 FeSO4 7 H2O 0.417 KCl 311.80 MgCl2 6 H2O 61.20 MgSO4 7 H2O 100.00 NaCl 6996.00 NaHCO3 1200.00 Na2HPO4 71.02 NaH2PO4 2 H2O 70.87 ZnSO4 7 H2O 0.432 Other Components D-Glucose 3151.00 Hypoxanthine 2.40 HEPES 3574.50 Linoleic Acid 0.042 Lipoic Acid 0.105 Phenol Red Sodium Salt 8.63 Putrescine 2 HCl 0.081 Sodium Pyruvate 55.00 Thymidine 0.365

€25.00

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DMEM, w: 4.5 g/L Glucose, w: 4 mM L-Glutamine, w: 3.7 g/L NaHCO3, w: 1.0 mM Sodium pyruvate

DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium) is a highly versatile and widely utilized basal medium designed to support the growth of a diverse range of mammalian cells in biological research. It serves as an ideal medium for culturing primary fibroblasts, neurons, glial cells, HUVECs, smooth muscle cells, as well as popular cell lines like HeLa, 293, Cos-7, and PC-12. What sets DMEM apart from other media is its unique composition. It contains an impressive fourfold increase in amino acid and vitamin concentration compared to the original Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium. Initially developed with low glucose (1 g/L) and sodium pyruvate, DMEM is frequently employed with higher glucose levels, either with or without sodium pyruvate. Notably, DMEM does not contain proteins, lipids, or growth factors, necessitating supplementation. To achieve optimal growth, a common approach is to supplement DMEM with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Additionally, DMEM employs a sodium bicarbonate buffer system, requiring a 5-10% CO2 environment to maintain a physiological pH. Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) is highly regarded among defined media for cell and tissue culture, catering to the growth needs of various adherent cell phenotypes. It surpasses the original Eagle's Medium, developed in the 1950s for cultivating chicken cells, through the enhanced supplementary formulation known as Dulbecco's modification. This modification significantly elevates the content of select amino acids and vitamins up to fourfold compared to the original medium. In the field of cell culture, DMEM plays a vital role as a growth medium for different cell types, including primary cells, stem cells, and transformed cells. Researchers also employ the modified version of DMEM for a wide array of research applications, such as drug discovery, tissue engineering, and the study of cell signaling pathways. Quality Control • Sterile-filtered Storage and Shelf Life • Store at +2°C to +8°C, protected from light. • Once opened, store at 4°C and use within 6–8 weeks. Shipping Conditions • Ambient temperature Maintenance • Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Avoid freezing and frequent warming to +37°C, as it reduces product quality. • Do not heat the medium beyond 37°C or use uncontrolled heat sources such as microwave appliances. • If only part of the medium is to be used, remove the required amount and warm it to room temperature before use. Composition Category Components Concentration (mg/L) Amino Acids Glycine 30.00 L-Arginine HCl 84.00 L-Cystine 2 HCl 62.57 L-Glutamine 584.00 L-Histidine HCl H2O 42.00 L-Isoleucine 105.00 L-Leucine 105.00 L-Lysine HCl 146.00 L-Methionine 30.00 L-Phenylalanine 66.00 L-Serine 42.00 L-Threonine 95.00 L-Tryptophan 16.00 L-Tyrosine 2 Na 2H2O 103.79 L-Valine 94.00 Vitamins Choline chloride 4.00 D-Calcium Pantothenate 4.00 Folic Acid 4.00 myo-Inositol 7.20 Nicotinamide 4.00 Pyridoxal HCl 4.00 Riboflavin 0.40 Thiamine HCl 4.00 Inorganic Salts CaCl2 2 H2O 265.00 Fe(NO3)3 9 H2O 0.10 KCl 400.00 MgSO4 7H2O 200.10 NaCl 6400.00 NaHCO3 3700.00 NaH2PO4 2H2O 141.73 Other Components D-Glucose 4500.00 Phenol Red Sodium Salt 15.90 Sodium Pyruvate 110.00

€25.00

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EMEM (MEM Eagle), w: 2 mM L-Glutamine, w: 2.2 g/L NaHCO3, w: EBSS

Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium (EMEM) is one of the most widely used basal media for the cultivation of a broad range of mammalian cells, particularly adherent cell lines. Originally developed by Harry Eagle, this classic formulation contains the essential amino acids, vitamins, and inorganic salts required to support the growth of both primary cells and established cell lines under standard culture conditions. This ready-to-use, sterile-filtered liquid formulation is supplemented with Earle’s Balanced Salt Solution (EBSS), 2 mM L-glutamine, D-glucose (1.0 g/L), and 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), making it suitable for use in a CO2-controlled incubator atmosphere (typically 5 % CO2). The included phenol red acts as a pH indicator, allowing convenient visual monitoring of medium condition during cell culture. Key Features • Classic Eagle’s MEM formulation with Earle’s Balanced Salt Solution (EBSS) • 2 mM L-glutamine included – ready for immediate use • 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate – buffered for 5 % CO2 incubation • With D-glucose (1.0 g/L) as primary carbon source • With phenol red as pH indicator • Without HEPES and without sodium pyruvate • Sterile-filtered liquid medium, ready to use • pH 7.0 – 7.6 Typical Applications EMEM supports the cultivation of a wide variety of mammalian cell lines, including HeLa, HEK 293, Vero, MRC-5, L-929, BHK-21, and many primary cells. Common applications include: • Routine maintenance and expansion of adherent cell lines • Virus propagation and vaccine production workflows • Cytotoxicity and bioassay applications • Transfection and protein expression studies • Foundational research in cell biology and molecular biology For optimal cell growth, EMEM is typically supplemented with 5–10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) and, depending on the cell line, with non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and antibiotics such as penicillin/streptomycin. Handling & Storage Store the unopened bottle at +2 °C to +8 °C, protected from light. After opening, use under aseptic conditions. L-Glutamine in solution is subject to gradual degradation – we recommend using the medium within 4 weeks of opening for best performance, or supplementing with fresh L-glutamine prior to use if stored for longer periods. Allow the medium to warm to 37 °C before adding it to cells. Quality Manufactured under strict quality standards. Each batch is tested for sterility, pH, osmolality, and endotoxin levels to ensure consistent performance in cell culture applications. Product Specifications Specification Detail Product typeMEM Product categoryCell culture media FormatLiquid SterileYes Size500 ml L-GlutamineWith L-glutamine (2 mM) GlucoseWith glucose (1.0 g/L) Sodium bicarbonateWith NaHCO3 (2.2 g/L) HEPESWithout HEPES Sodium pyruvateWithout sodium pyruvate Phenol redWith phenol red Salt solutionEarle’s Balanced Salt Solution (EBSS) pH7.0 – 7.6 Endotoxin contentNot specified Storage+2 °C to +8 °C Formulation (Composition per Liter)

€25.00

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Endothelial Cell Growth Medium

Endothelial Cell Growth Medium is the standard medium for the culture of human endothelial cells from large vessels, such as umbilical vein, umbilical artery, saphenous vein and aorta. The complete medium contains foetal calf serum, L-glutamine, ECGS/H (endothelial cell growth supplement with heparin), EGF, bFGF and hydrocortisone. For defined recombinant growth factors including VEGF instead of ECGS/H, choose Advanced Endothelial Cell Growth Medium. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. The basal medium is also available phenol red-free in the same formats, which avoids interference with fluorescence and colorimetric readouts as well as the weak oestrogen-like activity of phenol red. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately. Once supplemented, the complete medium contains 2 % FCS (10 ml per 500 ml of basal medium).

€200.00

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Endothelial Cell Proliferation Medium

Endothelial Cell Proliferation Medium is designed for the fast expansion of human endothelial cells from large vessels, such as umbilical vein, umbilical artery, saphenous vein, aorta, coronary and pulmonary artery. The complete medium contains foetal calf serum, L-glutamine, heparin, EGF, bFGF, VEGF, Long R3 IGF-1, ascorbic acid and hydrocortisone. For a lower serum content, choose Advanced Endothelial Cell Growth Medium. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. The basal medium is also available phenol red-free in the same formats, which avoids interference with fluorescence and colorimetric readouts as well as the weak oestrogen-like activity of phenol red. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately. Once supplemented, the complete medium contains 7 % FCS (35 ml per 500 ml of basal medium).

€170.00

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500 ml bottle Fetal Bovine Serum South America Origin (FBS)

FBS South America 500ml

Sourced from South American bovine sources, this sterile-filtered Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) provides consistent cell culture performance. Prior to release, every batch is tested for sterility, mycoplasma, and bovine viruses. Furthermore, each lot is evaluated to verify its ability to support the growth of HEK293 and CHO cells. The serum is available in 50 mL and 500 mL volumes, and a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) can be provided upon request.

€310.00

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50 ml bottle Fetal Bovine Serum South America Origin (FBS)

FBS South Origin 50ml

€32.00

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FBS US 500 ml

Sourced from the United States, this sterile-filtered Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) provides a consistent foundation for cell culture applications. Every batch undergoes quality control screening for sterility, mycoplasma, and bovine viruses. Additionally, each lot is biologically validated to confirm its ability to support the growth of CHO and HEK293 cell lines. The serum is packaged in 50 mL and 500 mL volumes. Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are available upon request.

€506.00

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500 ml bottle Fetal Bovine Serum US Origin (FBS)

FBS US Origin 50ml

€52.00

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Fibroblast Growth Medium

Fibroblast Growth Medium is used for the culture of human fibroblasts, for example from dermis or gingiva. For serum-free maintenance under defined conditions, choose Defined Fibroblast Maintenance Medium. We offer the medium as 500 ml basal medium, on its own or together with the supplements, either as individual components or as a premixed Supplement-Mix. The individual components allow single factors to be adjusted or left out, while the Supplement-Mix is added in a single step. The basal medium is also available phenol red-free in the same formats, which avoids interference with fluorescence and colorimetric readouts as well as the weak oestrogen-like activity of phenol red. Supplements are required for use, and both supplement formats are also available separately. Once supplemented, the complete medium contains 10 % FCS (50 ml per 500 ml of basal medium).

€180.00

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Freeze Medium CM-1 - 100 ml

Cytion’s Freeze Medium CM-1 is a state-of-the-art cryopreservation medium designed to ensure the highest level of cell viability and functionality post-thaw. This versatile medium is suitable for a broad spectrum of cell types, including both human and animal cells, making it an essential tool for diverse research applications. Formulated with a meticulously balanced combination of cryoprotectants and essential nutrients, Freeze Medium CM-1 minimizes ice crystal formation and cellular stress during the freezing process, thus preserving cellular integrity. Key features of Freeze Medium CM-1 include: • Broad Compatibility: Effective for a wide range of cell types, including primary cells, stem cells, and established cell lines. • High Viability: Optimized to maximize post-thaw cell recovery and viability, ensuring reliable experimental outcomes. • Ready-to-Use: Conveniently prepared and sterilized for immediate application, reducing preparation time and risk of contamination. • Enhanced Stability: Maintains consistent performance under standard cryopreservation conditions, ensuring reproducible results. • Long Shelf Life: CM-1 is a serum-containing, ready-to-use cryopreservation medium that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year. Using CM-1 for Freezing Cells To use CM-1 for freezing both adherent and suspension cells, follow these steps: • For adherent cells, wash and dissociate them from the culture substrate. For suspension cells, proceed directly to the next step. • Count the cells to ensure they are at the proper concentration. • Centrifuge the cells to pellet them, then resuspend in CM-1 freeze medium. • Transfer the resuspended cells into cryovials. • Use a slow-freezing method before transferring the cells to long-term storage. Method Description Steps ❄️ Manual Freezing A step-by-step method involving gradual temperature reduction to ensure cell viability. 1️⃣ Place cells in freeze medium in a 4°C freezer for 40 minutes. 2️⃣ Transfer to a -80°C freezer for 24 hours. 3️⃣ Store cells in liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation. ❄️ Using Mr. Frosty A convenient device that allows for controlled freezing rates without electrical power. 1️⃣ Prepare cells in cryovials with freeze medium. 2️⃣ Place cryovials in Mr. Frosty container. 3️⃣ Store at -80°C for 24 hours before transferring to liquid nitrogen. ❄️ Controlled-Rate Freezer A high-precision freezer by Thermo Fisher or other manufacturers designed for controlled temperature reduction. 1️⃣ Program the device to gradually decrease the temperature. 2️⃣ Place prepared cells in the freezer. 3️⃣ After the freezing cycle, transfer cells to liquid nitrogen. • Store the cryovials at temperatures below -130°C or in liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation. Ingredients • Contains FBS, DMSO, Glucose, Salts • Buffering capacity: pH = 7.2 to 7.6 Cytion’s Freeze Medium CM-1 offers a reliable solution for cryopreservation, ensuring high cell viability and functionality post-thaw for a wide range of research applications.

€99.00

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Freeze Medium CM-1 - 50 ml

€59.00

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Ham's F12K Medium, w: 2.0 mM L-Glutamine, w: 2.0 mM Sodium pyruvate, w: 2.5 g/L NaHCO3

Introducing Ham's F-12K (Kaighn's) Medium, a specialized modification of Ham's F-12 medium designed to meet the unique requirements of biological research. This advanced medium offers distinct advantages, enhancing the cultivation of primary human hepatocytes, as well as rat and chicken liver cells, particularly in reduced serum conditions. Ham's F-12K (Kaighn's) Medium is carefully formulated to optimize cell culture conditions. It features an enriched composition, providing elevated levels of essential components such as amino acids and sodium pyruvate, as well as additional elements including putrescine, thymidine, hypoxanthine, and zinc. These additions enable researchers to supplement the medium with minimal serum or defined components for specific cell types, facilitating precise experimental conditions. Notably, Ham's F-12K (Kaighn's) Medium does not contain proteins or growth factors. Consequently, supplementation with growth factors and Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is often necessary, allowing researchers to tailor the medium to the requirements of their specific cell lines. For optimal performance, the concentration of FBS must be carefully optimized for each cell line, ensuring optimal growth and functionality. To maintain physiological pH, Ham's F-12K (Kaighn's) Medium employs a sodium bicarbonate buffer system (2.5 g/L), necessitating a controlled 5-10% CO2 environment during cultivation. This ensures the medium's pH remains within the ideal range for cell growth and viability. Quality control • pH = 7.2 +/- 0.02 at 20-25°C. • Each lot has been tested for sterility and absence of mycoplasma and bacteria. Maintenance • Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Freezing as well as warming up to +37°C minimize the quality of the product. • Do not heat the medium to more than 37°C or use uncontrollable sources of heat (e.g., microwave appliances). • If only a part of the medium is to be used, remove this amount from the bottle and warm it up at room temperature. • Shelf life for any medium but the basic medium is 8 weeks from the date of manufacture. Composition Components mg/L Inorganic Salts Calcium chloride x 2H2O 135,24 Copper(II) sulfate x 5H2O 0,00 Iron (II) sulfate x 7H2O 0,83 Magnesium chloride x 6H2O 105,72 Magnesium sulfate x 7H2O 394,49 Potassium chloride 283,29 Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 58,52 Sodium chloride 7597,20 di-Sodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous 115,02 Zinc sulfate x 7H2O 0,14 Other Components D(+)-Glucose anhydrous 1260,00 Hypoxanthine 4,08 DL-α-Lipoic acid 0,21 Phenol red 3,00 Putrescine x 2HCl 0,32 Sodium pyruvate 220,00 NaHCO3 2500,00 Thymidine 0,73 Amino Acids L-Alanine 17,82 L-Arginine x HCl 421,40 L-Asparagine x H2O 30,02 L-Aspartic acid 26,62 L-Cysteine x HCl x H2O 70,24 L-Glutamine 292,20 L-Glutamic acid 29,42 Glycine 15,01 L-Histidine x HCl x H2O 41,92 L-Isoleucine 7,87 L-Leucine 26,24 L-Lysine x HCl 73,04 L-Methionine 8,95 L-Phenylalanine 9,91 L-Proline 69,06 L-Serine 21,02 L-Threonine 23,82 L-Tryptophan 4,08 L-Tyrosine 10,87 L-Valine 23,42 Vitamins D(+)-Biotin 0,07 D-Calcium pantothenate 0,48 Choline chloride 13,96 Folic acid 1,32 myo-Inositol 18,02 Nicotinamide 0,04 Pyridoxine x HCl 0,06 Riboflavin 0,04 Thiamine x HCl 0,34 Vitamin B12 1,36

€108.00

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Ham's F12 Medium, w: 1.0 mM stable Glutamine, w: 1.0 mM Sodium pyruvate, w: 1.176 g/L NaHCO3

Ham's F-12 Medium, also known as Ham's F-12 Nutrient Mix, is a widely used basal medium designed specifically for cell culture. It has been extensively employed for serum-free, single-cell plating of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, lung cells, and mouse L cells. Additionally, Ham’s F-12 is the medium of choice for a Clonal Toxicity Assay (CTA). One of its notable advantages is the ability to support cell growth without the need for serum supplementation. This eliminates potential interference caused by serum components, ensuring consistent and reliable experimental results. By providing a serum-free culture environment, Ham's F-12 Medium offers researchers greater control over their investigations. Another key feature of Ham's F-12 Medium is its suitability for single-cell plating. This makes it an excellent choice for a variety of cell lines, including CHO cells, lung cells, and mouse L cells. The medium's optimized nutrient composition facilitates efficient attachment and growth of individual cells, enabling the establishment of homogeneous cell cultures with improved reproducibility. Moreover, Ham's F-12 Medium has gained recognition as the preferred medium for the Clonal Toxicity Assay (CTA). This assay plays a critical role in assessing the cytotoxic effects of substances on cells. By utilizing Ham's F-12 Medium in the CTA, researchers can accurately evaluate the impact of various compounds or treatments on individual cells, providing valuable insights into toxicological profiles. Quality control • pH = 7.2 +/- 0.02 at 20-25°C. • Each lot has been tested for sterility and absence of mycoplasma and bacteria. Maintenance • Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Freezing and warming up to +37° C minimize the quality of the product. • Do not heat the medium to more than 37° C or use uncontrollable sources of heat (e.g., microwave appliances). • If only a part of the medium is to be used, remove this amount from the bottle and warm it up at room temperature. • Shelf life for any medium except for the basic medium is 8 weeks from the date of manufacture. Composition Components mg/L Inorganic Salts Calcium chloride x 2H2O 44,00 Copper(II) sulfate x 5H2O 0,00 Iron (II) sulfate x 7H2O 0,83 Magnesium chloride x 6H2O 122,00 Potassium chloride 223,65 Sodium chloride 7599,00 di-Sodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous 142,04 Zinc sulfate x 7H2O 0,86 Other Components D(+)-Glucose anhydrous 1801,60 Hypoxanthine 4,08 Linoleic acid 0,08 DL-α-Lipoic acid 0,21 Phenol red 1,20 Putrescine x 2HCl 0,16 Sodium pyruvate 110,00 Thymidine 0,73 NaHCO3 1176,00 Amino Acids L-Alanine 8,91 L-Arginine x HCl 210,70 L-Asparagine x H2O 15,01 L-Aspartic acid 13,31 L-Cysteine x HCl x H2O 35,12 L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine 217,30 L-Glutamic acid 14,71 Glycine 7,51 L-Histidine x HCl x H2O 20,96 L-Isoleucine 3,94 L-Leucine 13,12 L-Lysine x HCl 36,54 L-Methionine 4,48 L-Phenylalanine 4,96 L-Proline 34,53 L-Serine 10,51 L-Threonine 11,91 L-Tryptophan 2,04 L-Tyrosine 5,44 L-Valine 11,71 Vitamins D(+)-Biotin 0,01 D-Calcium pantothenate 0,24 Choline chloride 13,96 Folic acid 1,32 myo-Inositol 18,02 Nicotinamide 0,04 Pyridoxine x HCl 0,06 Riboflavin 0,04 Thiamine x HCl 0,34 Vitamin B12 1,36

€25.00

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HEPES Buffer Solution (1M)

Volume: 100 ml Storage: +2°C to +8°C Sterility: Sterile-filtered HEPES Buffer Solution (1 M), also known as N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid, is a zwitterionic organic buffering agent widely used in cell culture media. It is designed to maintain stable pH conditions in the physiological range of 6.7 to 8.6, supporting optimal cellular function during in vitro applications. Application and Benefits HEPES provides reliable buffering capacity in cell culture systems, particularly when cells are handled outside a CO₂ incubator. The addition of 10–25 mM HEPES to culture media offers enhanced pH stability during extended manipulation periods, helping to maintain consistent experimental conditions. This buffer is membrane-impermeable, has minimal interference with biochemical reactions, and demonstrates strong chemical and enzymatic stability. These properties make it suitable for a wide range of cell culture and biochemical applications. Formulation and Usage The solution is supplied as a 1 M concentrate prepared in cell culture–grade water and is sterile-filtered for use in contamination-sensitive environments. It can be diluted to the desired working concentration depending on application requirements. Store at +2°C to +8°C and handle under aseptic conditions to preserve product integrity. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Not for use in humans or animals.

€52.00

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IMDM, w: 4.5 g/L Glucose, w: 4 mM L-Glutamine, w: 25 mM HEPES, w: 1.0 mM Sodium pyruvate, w: 3.024 g/L NaHCO3

Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM) is a complex and enriched growth medium for cell culture. IMDM is a modification of DMEM containing selenium and has additional amino acids, vitamins, and inorganic salts compared to DMEM. It lacks iron and requires supplementation with Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). IMDM uses a sodium bicarbonate buffer system and requires a 5-10% CO2 environment to maintain physiological pH. IMDM is well suited for rapidly proliferating, high-density cell cultures, including Jurkat, COS-7, and macrophage cells. The various modifications of IMDM available for a range of cell culture applications can be found using the media selector tool. Liquid media provide essential nutrients for all cell culture applications. Each of our high-quality cell culture media is manufactured according to the initially published formula or modifications necessary to the consistent performance and stability of the culture medium. IMDM vs. DMEM IMDM contains potassium nitrate instead of ferric nitrate and HEPES and sodium pyruvate. The additional components in IMDM make it more suitable for specialized cell types and specific applications than DMEM. IMDM vs. RPMI IMDM and RPMI have different formulations that may be relevant for PMA/ionomycin stimulation. One significant difference is the concentration of Ca2+. While RPMI contains 0.42 mM Ca2+, IMDM contains 1.49 mM. Quality control • pH = 7.2 +/- 0.02 at 20-25°C. • Each lot has been tested for sterility and absence of mycoplasma and bacteria. Maintenance • Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Freezing and warming up to +37° C minimize the quality of the product. • Do not heat the medium to more than 37° C or use uncontrollable sources of heat (e.g., microwave appliances). • If only a part of the medium is to be used, remove this amount from the bottle and warm it up at room temperature. • Shelf life for any medium except for the basic medium is 8 weeks from the date of manufacture. Composition Components mg/L Inorganic Salts Calcium chloride x 2 H2O 219,00 Potassium chloride 330,00 Potassium nitrate 0.076 Magnesium sulfate anhydrous 97,73 Sodium chloride 4,505.00 Sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous 109,00 Sodium selenite 0,02 Other Components D(+)-Glucose anhydrous 4,500.00 HEPES 5,958.00 Sodium pyruvate 110,00 Phenol red 15,00 Amino Acids L-Alanine 25,00 L-Arginine x HCl 84,00 L-Asparagine x H2O 25,00 L-Aspartic acid 30,00 L-Cystine x 2HCl 91,24 L-Glutamine 584,00 L-Glutamic acid 75,00 Glycine 30,00 L-Histidine x HCl x H2O 42,00 L-Isoleucine 104,80 L-Leucine 104,80 L-Lysine x HCl 146,20 L-Methionine 30,00 L-Phenylalanine 66,00 L-Proline 40,00 L-Serine 42,00 L-Threonine 95,20 L-Tryptophan 16,00 L-Tyrosine x 2Na 104,20 L-Valine 93,60 Vitamins D(+)-Biotin 0.013 D-Calcium pantothenate 4,00 Choline chloride 4,00 Folic acid 4,00 myo-Inositol 7,20

€25.00

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Cell culture media: An overview

In the field of life sciences, one of the most important methodologies is cell culture. The removal of cells, tissues, or organs from an animal or plant and the subsequent implantation of those cells, tissues, or organs in an artificial environment that is favorable to their survival and/or growth is what is meant by the phrase "cell culture." The fundamental environmental needs for optimal cell development are controlled temperature, a substrate for cell attachment, an adequate growth medium, and an incubator that maintains the optimum pH and osmolality. Cells must have these conditions in order to grow to their full potential.

The selection of an adequate growth medium for in vitro cultivation is the stage in cell culture that is both the most critical and the most vital. A growth medium, also known as culture media, is a liquid or gel formulated to encourage organisms' development on a microscopic, cellular, or plant-like scale. The medium used for cultivating cells often contains an adequate supply of energy and substances that control the cell cycle. The main components of a culture media include amino acids, vitamins, inorganic salts, glucose, and serum. The serum is added to the medium because it acts as a source of growth factors, hormones, and attachment factors. In addition to providing nutrients, the medium also contributes to the upkeep of pH and osmolality levels.

Types of medium used in cell culture

Both human and animal cells have the potential to be grown in either an artificial or synthetic medium or an entirely natural media that is supplemented with natural elements. In the following, we will give you an overview of the different currently available media types.

Natural media

Only biological fluids that exist in their natural state may be found in natural media. Natural media are very helpful and easy for the cultivation of a broad variety of animal cell types. The lack of understanding of the precise components that make up natural media is the primary factor contributing to the low repeatability of results obtained using natural media.

Artificial media

The preparation of artificial or synthetic media involves the addition of nutrients (both organic and inorganic), serum proteins, carbohydrates, cofactors, vitamins, and salts, as well as O2 and CO2 gas phases [1].

Various types of artificial media have been developed in order to fulfill one or more of the following functions: 1) Immediate survival (a balanced salt solution with a precise pH and osmotic pressure). 2) Prolonged survival (a balanced salt solution supplemented with different formulations of organic chemicals and/or serum). 3) Indefinite development. 4) Specialized functions.

There are four distinct classifications for artificial media:

Serum containing media

The most frequent kind of supplement found in medium used for growing animal cells is fetal bovine serum. It is added to the culture medium as a low-cost supplement in order to achieve the best possible growth conditions. In addition to acting as a transporter or chelator for nutrients that are unstable or water-insoluble, hormones and growth factors, protease inhibitors, and other substances, the serum also binds and neutralizes harmful molecules.

Serum-free Medium

The presence of serum in the media has a number of disadvantages and has the potential to cause major errors in interpretation in immunological research [2, 3]. There have been a variety of different serum-free mediums created [4, 5]. These media are generally specifically formulated to support the culture of a single cell type, such as Knockout Serum Replacement and Knockout DMEM from Thermo Fisher Scientific, and mTESR medium from Stem Cell Technologies [6], for stem cells [7].

Additionally, these media incorporate defined quantities of purified growth factors, lipoproteins, and other proteins, which are otherwise typically provided by the serum [8]. These media are often referred to as "defined cultural media" since the components that make up these media are well understood.

Chemically defined media

These media include ultra-pure inorganic and organic components that have not been contaminated by any kind of contamination. They may also include pure protein additions, such as growth factors.

The genetic modification of bacteria or yeast, together with the addition of particular fatty acids, vitamins, cholesterol, and amino acids, results in the production of their component parts [9].

Protein-free media

Protein-free media are those that do not include any protein at all and instead only include non-protein elements. When compared to media with added serum, the use of media without added protein promotes greater cell proliferation and protein expression and makes it easier to purify any product generated in a downstream process [10-12]. Protein is not included in formulations such as MEM and RPMI-1640. However, a protein supplement might be administered if it is necessary.

Culture media and its basic components

Commercial culture medium may be purchased as a powder or a liquid and often include a variety of nutrients such as amino acids, glucose, salts, vitamins, and other dietary supplements.

The needs for these components are different for each cell line, and these variations are responsible for the wide number of different formulations of media. Each component is responsible for a certain function, which will be outlined in the following paragraphs:

Buffering systems

To maintain optimal growing conditions, pH must be controlled, which is often done by one of two buffering systems:

Natural buffering system

The CO2/H2CO3 ratio in the atmosphere is equal to that of the medium, creating a natural buffering mechanism. In order to preserve their natural buffering mechanism, cultures must be kept in an air environment with 5-10% CO2, which is often achieved by using a CO2 incubator. One of the best things about using a natural buffer is how cheap and safe it is.

HEPES

Chemical buffering using the zwitterion HEPES has a greater buffering capability in the pH range of 7.2-7.4 and does not need a regulated gaseous environment. For particular cell types, a larger dose of HEPES may be harmful. Media containing HEPES are likewise much more susceptible to the phototoxic effects of fluorescent light [13].

Phenol Red

The pH indicator phenol red is often included in commercially available culture medium, allowing for continuous monitoring of pH. By expanding the cells, the metabolites produced by these cells cause a shift in pH and therefore a color change of the media. Phenol red has a dual effect on a medium's color, turning it yellow at acidic pH and purple at alkaline pH. pH 7.4, the optimal value for cell culture, causes the medium to appear fluorescent red.

But phenol red has a few drawbacks: First, phenol red is able to simulate the performance of a number of steroid hormones, primarily estrogen [14]. Therefore, when studying estrogen-sensitive cells like breast tissue, a medium free of phenol red is recommended. Sodium-potassium balance is disrupted by the presence of phenol red in several serum-free formulations. Adding serum or bovine pituitary hormone to the media may counteract this effect [15]. Thirdly, detection in flow cytometric experiments is hindered by the presence of phenol red.

Inorganic salts

Media containing inorganic salts, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, assist maintain osmotic equilibrium and regulate membrane potential.

Amino acids

Since amino acids are the fundamental components of protein, they are an essential component of every single cell growth medium that has ever been conceived. Because cells are unable to produce certain amino acids on their own, it is important that the culture medium include essential amino acids. They are necessary for the proliferation of cells, and the concentration at which they are present determines the maximum cell density that may be attained. In particular, L-glutamine, an essential amino acid is especially crucial.

L-glutamine functions as a secondary source of energy for the metabolism and contributes nitrogen to the production of NAD, NADPH, and nucleotides. Due to the fact that L-glutamine is an unstable amino acid that, with time, changes into a form that cells are unable to utilize, it must be given to the medium.

In addition, non-essential amino acids may be supplied to the medium in order to refuel those that have been used up throughout the growth process. The growth of the cells is boosted and their viability is increased when the growth medium is supplemented with nonessential amino acids.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in the form of sugars are the principal source of energy. Many of the media also include maltose and fructose in addition to the more common sugars of glucose and galactose.

Proteins and peptides

Albumin, transferrin, and fibronectin are the most commonly used proteins and peptides. They are especially significant in media that do not include serum. Albumin, transferrin, aprotinin, fetuin, and fibronectin are some of the proteins that may be found in serum, which is a rich supply of protein.

Albumin is the primary protein found in blood, and its function is to bind and transport various substances, including water, salts, free fatty acids, hormones, and vitamins, between different organs and cells. Albumin's ability to attach to chemicals makes it an effective candidate for removing harmful compounds from the medium in which cells are cultured.

Aprotinin is a protective agent in cell culture systems, since it is stable at neutral and acidic pH, as well as resistant to high temperatures and the destruction that may be caused by proteolytic enzymes. It is capable of inhibiting a number of serine proteases, including trypsin, amongst others.

Fetuin is a glycoprotein that may be detected in higher amounts in the serum of fetal and newborn animals compared to adult serum. In addition to that, it acts as a serine protease inhibitor. The protein fibronectin is an essential component in the process of cell adhesion. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron and is responsible for delivering iron to the membranes of cells.

Fatty acids and lipids

They play a crucial role in serum-free medium when serum is absent.

Vitamins

Numerous vitamins are necessary for cell development and proliferation. Vitamins cannot be produced in adequate amounts by cells and are thus essential in tissue culture as dietary supplements.

In cell culture, the serum is the primary source of vitamins; however, media are also treated with various vitamins to make them suited for a specific cell type. Most typically, the B group vitamins are used for growth stimulation.

Trace elements

Chemical elements such as copper, zinc, selenium, and tricarboxylic acid intermediates are known as trace elements. Trace elements are often added to media that does not include serum in order to replace those that are typically present in serum. These elements are important chemical components that are required for a healthy cell development. Many biochemical reactions depend on certain micronutrients, such as enzyme activity.

Medium supplements

The full growth medium suggested for certain cell lines needs extra components that are absent from the baseline media and serum. These dietary supplements support cell growth and appropriate metabolic function.

Although hormones, growth factors, and signaling molecules are essential for the appropriate proliferation of particular cell lines, the following precautions should always be taken: Since the addition of supplements might alter the osmolality of the complete growth medium, which can inhibit cell development, it is always advisable to verify the osmolality after adding supplements. For the majority of cell lines, the optimum osmolality ranges between 260 and 320 mOSM/kg.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often employed to inhibit the development of bacterial and fungal pollutants [16], although they are not essential for cell growth. Since antibiotics might conceal contamination by mycoplasma and resistant bacteria, their routine use is not suggested for cell culture [17, 18].

In addition, antibiotics may disrupt the metabolism of hypersensitive cells. The penicillin-streptomycin combinations made by MilliporeSigma and Life Technologies are often used. Plasmocin has been utilized in the culture of the glioma cell lines TS603, TS516, and BT260 [19], and it has been shown to be effective in removing mycoplasma contamination (20).

Serum

Albumins, growth factors, and growth inhibitors are all present in serum. Serum is one of the most significant components of cell culture medium because it provides amino acids, proteins, vitamins (especially fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K), carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, growth factors, minerals, and trace elements.

Serum from fetal and calf bovine sources is often utilized to promote the development of cultured cells. Fetal serum is an abundant supply of growth factors and is suitable for cell cloning and the development of sensitive cells. Due to its diminished growth-promoting capabilities, calf serum is employed in contact-inhibition experiments. Normal growth mediums often include 2% to 10% serum. The addition of serum to culture medium serves the following purposes [21]:

The serum delivers the essential nutrients for cells (both in solution and attached to proteins).
Several growth factors and hormones involved in growth promotion and specialized cell activity are included in serum.
It offers many binding proteins, like albumin and transferrin, that transport other chemicals into the cell. For example, albumin delivers fats, vitamins, hormones, etc. into cells.
It also provides proteins, such as fibronectin, which increase cell adhesion to the substrate. Additionally, it produces spreading elements that aid in cell expansion before division.
It delivers protease inhibitors that prevent proteolysis in cells.
It also contains minerals such as Na+, K+, Zn2+, and Fe2+.
It enhances the viscosity of the media, so protecting the cells from mechanical injury during suspension culture agitation.
It's also a buffer.

References

[1] Morgan J, Morton H, Parker R. Nutrition of animal cells in tissue culture; initial studies on a synthetic medium. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1950;73:1-8

[2] Kerbel R, Blakeslee D. Rapid adsorption of a foetal calf serum component by mammalian cells in culture. A potential source of artifacts in studies of antisera to cell-specific antigens. Immunology. 1976;31:881-91

[3] Sula K, Draber P, Nouza K. Addition of serum to the medium used for preparation of cell suspensions as a possible source of artifacts in cell-mediated reactions studied by means of the popliteal lymph node test. J Immunogenet. 1980;7:483-9

[4] Mariani E, Mariani A, Monaco M, Lalli E, Vitale M, Facchini A. Commercial serum-free media: hybridoma growth and monoclonal antibody production. J Immunol Methods. 1991;145:175-83

[5] Barnes D, Sato G. Methods for growth of cultured cells in serum-free medium. Anal Biochem. 1980;102:255-70

[6] Yu H, Lu S, Gasior K, Singh D, Vazquez Sanchez S, Tapia O, et al. HSP70 chaperones RNA-free TDP-43 into anisotropic intranuclear liquid spherical shells. Science. 2021;371:

[7] Meharena H, Marco A, Dileep V, Lockshin E, Akatsu G, Mullahoo J, et al. Down-syndrome-induced senescence disrupts the nuclear architecture of neural progenitors. Cell Stem Cell. 2022;29:116-130.e7

[8] Iscove N, Melchers F. Complete replacement of serum by albumin, transferrin, and soybean lipid in cultures of lipopolysaccharide-reactive B lymphocytes. J Exp Med. 1978;147:923-33

[9] Stoll T, Muhlethaler K, von Stockar U, Marison I. Systematic improvement of a chemically-defined protein-free medium for hybridoma growth and monoclonal antibody production. J Biotechnol. 1996;45:111-23

[10] Darfler F. A protein-free medium for the growth of hybridomas and other cells of the immune system. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol. 1990;26:769-78

[11] Barnes D, Sato G. Serum-free cell culture: a unifying approach. Cell. 1980;22:649-55

[12] Hamilton W, Ham R. Clonal growth of chinese hamster cell lines in protein-free media. In Vitro. 1977;13:537-47

[13] Zigler J, Lepe Zuniga J, Vistica B, Gery I. Analysis of the cytotoxic effects of light-exposed HEPES-containing culture medium. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol. 1985;21:282-7

[14] Berthois Y, Katzenellenbogen J, Katzenellenbogen B. Phenol red in tissue culture media is a weak estrogen: implications concerning the study of estrogen-responsive cells in culture. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1986;83:2496-500

[15] Karmiol S. Development of serum free media. In: Master JRW, editor. Animal Cell culture, 3rd ed. Oxford:Oxford University Press; 2000.

[16] Perlman D. Use of antibiotics in cell culture media. Methods Enzymol. 1979;58:110-6

[17] McGarrity G. Spread and control of mycoplasmal infection of cell cultures. In Vitro. 1976;12:643-8

[18] Masters J, Stacey G. Changing medium and passaging cell lines. Nat Protoc. 2007;2:2276-84

[19] Chakraborty A, Laukka T, Myllykoski M, Ringel A, Booker M, Tolstorukov M, et al. Histone demethylase KDM6A directly senses oxygen to control chromatin and cell fate. Science. 2019;363:1217-1222

[20] Molla Kazemiha V, Azari S, Amanzadeh A, Bonakdar S, Shojaei Moghadam M, Habibi Anbouhi M, et al. Efficiency of Plasmocin™ on various mammalian cell lines infected by mollicutes in comparison with commonly used antibiotics in cell culture: a local experience. Cytotechnology. 2011;63:609-20

[21] Kragh Hansen U. Molecular aspects of ligand binding to serum albumin. Pharmacol Rev. 1981;33:17-53