Cell culture medium kits are designed to promote robust cell culture, growth, and proliferation. They contain added supplements that are optimized to the unique requirements of each cell type. For researchers wanting to control the timing and/or amount of supplements added, there are popular and cost-effective cell culture medium kits available.

The cell culture medium is a growth matrix containing all the factors required to recapitulate an optimal growth environment in which the cells can thrive. These factors include essential nutrients (amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals), growth factors, hormones, and gases (O2, CO2). The physicochemical environment (pH, osmolarity, temperature) is also regulated to support cell proliferation.

Culture media preparation for in vitro cell cultivation includes preparation of different media formats, sterilization methods, cell growth and regulation supplements, media storage, and use. Media selection depends on the culture type, purpose of cultivation, and cell density requirements.

Cells from a plethora of organisms can be cultured, such as mammals, plants, insects, bacteria, and yeast. Most cells are anchorage-dependent and must be cultured while attached to a solid or semi-solid substrate (adherent or monolayer culture), while others can be grown floating in the culture medium (suspension culture).

If a surplus of cells are available from subculturing, they should be treated with the appropriate protective agent (e.g., DMSO or glycerol) and stored at temperatures below –130°C (cryopreservation) until they are needed