FluxMPS™ MCDB 201 Medium
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FluxMPS™ MCDB 201 Medium
MCDB 201 belongs to the MCDB series, developed to support the growth of specific cell types in low-protein or serum-free conditions. Originally formulated for the clonal growth of chick embryo fibroblasts, it has since found applications across various areas of cell biology research, including stem cell and primary cell culture. FluxMPS™ delivers this formulation through a 0.04 micron quadruple-stage filtration process engineered for microfluidic, Organ-on-Chip (OoC), and Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platforms.
- Two ready-to-use FluxMPS™ configurations: MCDB 201 (with sodium bicarbonate) and MCDB 201 w/o Bicarbonate
- Originally formulated for clonal growth of chick embryo fibroblasts; versatile as a base medium for a wide range of cell types, including stem cells and primary cells
- Standard glucose concentration of 1.441 g/L and standard HEPES concentration of 30mM at 1X
- Both configurations include L-Glutamine, Sodium Pyruvate, HEPES, and Phenol Red as standard, plus a trace-element supplement; Sodium Bicarbonate is included in the standard configuration and omitted in the w/o Bicarbonate configuration
- Purified through FluxMPS™ quadruple-stage 0.04 micron filtration for microfluidic and Organ-on-Chip / Tissue-on-Chip / Lab-on-Chip compatibility
- Defined formulation allows greater control over culture conditions, valuable for cell differentiation studies, stem cell property maintenance, and serum-free culture system development
- Available in 500 mL and 1000 mL sizes; stored at 2-8°C away from bright light; fully customizable via support@diagnocine.com
- Concentration1X
- Glucose1.441 g/L
- HEPES concentration30mM (standard)
- L-GlutamineIncluded (both)
- Sodium PyruvateIncluded (both)
- Sodium BicarbonateVariant-dependent
- Phenol RedIncluded (both)
- SpecialWith Trace Elements
- Sizes500 mL / 1000 mL
- Storage2-8°C, protect from light
At-a-Glance Supplement Matrix
Check the supplement(s) you require, press Search to confirm which configuration(s) include them, then click straight through to the product page via the catalog-number link or the View button.
| Name | Cat No. | L-Glutamine | Pyruvate | Bicarbonate | HEPES | Phenol Red | Special | Product Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCDB 201 | DCP-M201H1X | check | check | check | check | check | With Trace Elements | Viewarrow_forward |
| MCDB 201 w/o Bicarbonate | DCP-M201H-B1X | check | check | remove | check | check | With Trace Elements | Viewarrow_forward |
About MCDB 201 Medium
MCDB media were developed for the culture of specific cell types without a serum supplement. The media were supplemented with growth factors, hormones, trace elements, or low levels of dialyzed fetal bovine serum protein (FBSP), and each MCDB medium was formulated for a specific cell type: MCDB 105 and 110 for rapid clonal growth of normal human diploid cells, MCDB 131 originally for human micro-vascular endothelial cells (HMVEC), and MCDB 151, 201, and 302 originally for human keratinocytes, clonal growth of chick embryo fibroblasts, and CHO cells respectively.
MCDB 201 Medium is a specialized cell culture medium that belongs to the MCDB series, which was developed to support the growth of specific cell types in low-protein or serum-free conditions. Originally formulated for the clonal growth of chick embryo fibroblasts, MCDB 201 has since found applications in various areas of cell biology research. This medium is characterized by its carefully balanced composition of inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and other essential nutrients that promote optimal cell growth and proliferation.
MCDB 201 is particularly notable for its versatility, as it can be used as a base medium for culturing a wide range of cell types, including stem cells and primary cells. Researchers often modify MCDB 201 by supplementing it with growth factors, hormones, or low levels of serum to tailor it to specific experimental needs. Its defined formulation allows for greater control over culture conditions, making it a valuable tool in studies requiring precise nutritional environments, such as investigations into cell differentiation, maintenance of stem cell properties, and development of serum-free culture systems.
Origins & Development
MCDB media are a family of chemically defined, cell-type-specific basal formulations developed at the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, primarily by Richard G. Ham and Wallace L. McKeehan during the 1970s and 1980s. The department acronym gives the series its name; the department itself was founded in 1968 by pioneering cell biologist Keith Porter, its first chair. Unlike the classical Eagle-lineage media (BME, MEM, DMEM), which were designed as general-purpose basal formulations to be supplemented with serum, each MCDB medium was engineered from the ground up, qualitatively and quantitatively, to support the clonal growth and long-term maintenance of one specific, defined cell type.
The MCDB program was catalyzed by a 1976 discovery: McKeehan, Hamilton, and Ham reported in PNAS that selenium is an essential trace nutrient for clonal growth of WI-38 diploid human fibroblasts at minimal serum-protein concentrations, and that higher serum levels had simply been masking the requirement by supplying selenium as a contaminant. This finding directly stimulated the formal MCDB series, beginning with MCDB 104 in 1977.
In 1977, McKeehan and Ham published MCDB 201 for clonal growth of chick embryo fibroblasts in Developments in Biological Standardization (37: 97-98). MCDB 201, another Ham's F-12 derivative with expanded trace elements, remains in use as a standard basal medium for chick fibroblast culture and has found utility in pluripotent stem cell hepatic differentiation and adipogenic progenitor culture. A "J. Cell Physiol. 97:421-427, 1978" citation sometimes attached to MCDB 201 could not be independently verified in Diagnocine's source materials.
In 1979, Ham and McKeehan codified the principles, nomenclature, and nutritional basis of the entire MCDB program in "Media and growth requirements," Chapter 5 of Methods in Enzymology (58: 44-93), which remains a key primary reference for the series. MCDB 201 has since acquired a second life as a component of hepatic differentiation and mesenchymal progenitor systems, exploiting its F-12-based amino acid profile and expanded trace-element mixture.
The MCDB Series Family Tree
MCDB 201 is a direct Ham's F-12 derivative published the same year as MCDB 104, MCDB 301, and MCDB 302, representing the series' extension to chick embryo fibroblasts.
| Medium | Year | Primary Developers | Primary Target Cell | Parent Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCDB 104 | 1977 | McKeehan, McKeehan, Hammond, Ham | WI-38 human lung fibroblasts | Ham's F-12 |
| MCDB 105 | ~1978-1980 | Ham, McKeehan | WI-38, MRC-5, IMR-90 fibroblasts | MCDB 104 |
| MCDB 110 | ~1980-1981 | Bettger, Boyce, Walthall, Ham | Human diploid fibroblasts (serum-free) | MCDB 105 |
| MCDB 131 | 1987 | Knedler, Ham | Human microvascular endothelial cells | MCDB 402 |
| MCDB 151 | 1980 | Peehl, Ham | Human epidermal keratinocytes (low-serum) | Ham's F-12 |
| MCDB 152 | 1982 | Tsao, Walthall, Ham | Human keratinocytes (defined) | MCDB 151 |
| MCDB 153 | 1983 | Boyce, Ham | Human epidermal keratinocytes (serum-free) | MCDB 151/152 |
| MCDB 201 | 1977 | McKeehan, Ham | Chick embryo fibroblasts | Ham's F-12 |
| MCDB 301/302 | 1977 | Hamilton, Ham | CHO cells (protein-free) | Ham's F-12 |
| MCDB 120 | 1988 | Ham et al. | Human muscle satellite cells | Ham's F-12 |
Composition
MCDB 201 is characterized by a carefully balanced composition of inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and other essential nutrients that promote optimal cell growth and proliferation. It is described in Diagnocine's source materials as another Ham's F-12 derivative with expanded trace elements, supplied with a trace-element supplement ("Special: with Trace Elements") and, in the standard configuration, sodium bicarbonate.
| Standard concentration | 1X |
| Standard glucose concentration | 1.441 g/L |
| Standard HEPES concentration | 30mM |
| L-Glutamine | Included (both configurations) |
| Sodium Pyruvate | Included (both configurations) |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Included in MCDB 201 (DCP-M201H1X); omitted in MCDB 201 w/o Bicarbonate (DCP-M201H-B1X) |
| HEPES | Included (both configurations) |
| Phenol Red | Included (both configurations) |
| Special | With Trace Elements (both configurations) |
| Parent formulation | Ham's F-12, with expanded trace elements |
| Sizes | 500 mL, 1000 mL |
| Storage | 2-8°C, away from bright light |
Media Lineage Comparison
Context on how other F-12-derived MCDB-series media compare to classical Eagle-lineage basal media, illustrating the broader design philosophy MCDB 201 shares as an expanded-trace-element F-12 derivative.
| Feature | DMEM (high-glucose) | MEM | MCDB 105 | MCDB 153 | MCDB 131 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amino acids | 15 (no Asn, Asp, Glu, Pro, Ala) | 13 | 20 (all proteinogenic) | 20 | 19 |
| Selenium | Absent | Absent | 0.0052 mg/L | 0.0038 mg/L | 0.0038 mg/L |
| Folinic acid | Absent | Absent | Present | Absent (folic acid) | Present |
| Adenine | Absent | Absent | 1.72 mg/L | 30.88 mg/L | 0.135 mg/L |
| Thymidine | Absent | Absent | 0.0727 mg/L | 0.727 mg/L | Present |
| Putrescine | Absent | Absent | Present | 0.161 mg/L | Present |
| Multi-trace elements | Absent (Fe(NO3)3 only) | Absent | Multi-element | Multi-element | Multi-element |
| HEPES | Absent | Absent | 25 mM | 28 mM | Absent |
| Glucose | 4500 mg/L | 1000 mg/L | 720.64 mg/L (~4 mM) | 1081 mg/L (~6 mM) | 1000 mg/L |
| Calcium | 265 mg/L | 200 mg/L | 147 mg/L | 4.411 mg/L | 235.2 mg/L |
| Serum requirement | 10% FBS typical | 5-10% FBS | Low-serum or serum-free | Serum-free with supplements | 0.7-2% dFBS or defined |
Distinguishing Features Documented Across the MCDB Series
The following features are documented across the characterized MCDB-series media in Diagnocine's source materials (chiefly MCDB 104, 105, 110, 131, 151, 152, 153); MCDB 201-specific per-component values beyond glucose, HEPES, and the supplement matrix above were not published in these sources.
- Comprehensive trace-element panel covering selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, nickel, tin, and silicon — elements absent from DMEM, MEM, BME, and RPMI 1640, and consistent with MCDB 201's own description as an expanded-trace-element formulation
- Folinic acid (leucovorin) used in place of folic acid in related MCDB media (MCDB 105 and MCDB 131), bypassing the dihydrofolate reductase activation step
- Adenine supplementation as a free purine source, documented across the characterized MCDB series, absent from classical Eagle media (DMEM, MEM)
- Thymidine inclusion as a preformed pyrimidine nucleoside, allowing cells to bypass de novo synthesis
- Putrescine dihydrochloride, a polyamine growth factor and precursor to spermidine and spermine, present across the characterized MCDB series and absent from DMEM, MEM, BME, RPMI 1640, and IMDM
- F-12-based amino acid profile, which MCDB 201 exploits, along with its expanded trace-element mixture, in its modern applications to hepatic differentiation and mesenchymal progenitor systems
Why FluxMPS™
Quadruple-Stage 0.04 Micron Filtration
Purified finer than any ready-to-use cell culture media currently available, removing particulates and protein aggregates before they reach the chip.
Engineered for Microfluidic Flow
Formulated for Organ-on-Chip (OoC), Tissue-on-Chip (ToC), and Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platforms, where the medium is itself part of the instrument.
Optical Clarity
Supports real-time imaging and integrated biosensing across long-duration culture and perfusion studies.
Versatile Base Medium Heritage
Rooted in a defined formulation used for chick embryo fibroblast clonal growth, stem cell, and primary cell culture applications.
Fully Customizable
Standard 1X concentration, 1.441 g/L glucose, and 30mM HEPES can be adjusted, along with chemical additions, proteins, supplements, and pH, on request.
Regulatory-Aligned Foundation
Formulated to support FDA-recognized physiological modeling standards for drug discovery, toxicology screening, and translational research.
Quadruple-Stage Filtration
Every FluxMPS™ formulation, including MCDB 201 Medium, passes through a four-stage filtration architecture before reaching your platform.
-
1
0.1µmPre-filtration Stage One
Removes larger particulates and aggregates from the formulated medium.
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2
0.1µmPre-filtration Stage Two
A second 0.1 micron pass further reduces particulate and aggregate load ahead of sterile filtration.
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3
0.04µmSterile Filtration Stage One
Fine sterile filtration engineered for microfluidic channel compatibility.
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4
0.04µmSterile Filtration Stage Two
A second 0.04 micron pass for the optical clarity and particulate control that OoC/ToC/LoC platforms require.
Filtration Performance
Validated Cell Lines & Applications
Chick Embryo Fibroblasts
MCDB 201's primary validated cell type and founding application.
Human Prostatic Stromal Cells
A superior basal medium when supplemented with bFGF, IGF, and PDGF.
Ovine Adipose Preadipocyte Fibroblasts
Supported in the related MCDB 202 formulation with defined hormones and lipids.
Hepatic Differentiation From Pluripotent Stem Cells
MCDB 201 has found utility in pluripotent stem cell hepatic differentiation protocols.
Preadipocyte & Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture
A secondary application exploiting its F-12-based amino acid profile and expanded trace-element mixture.
Broader MCDB / F-12 Lineage Applications
Part of the F-12-derived MCDB series that also supports fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and CHO cells in related family members.
Scientific Applications
Cell Differentiation Studies
Its defined formulation allows for greater control over culture conditions, valuable for investigations into cell differentiation.
Stem Cell Property Maintenance
Used as a base medium for culturing stem cells, supporting maintenance of stem cell properties in defined conditions.
Serum-Free Culture System Development
Its defined, low-protein formulation supports development of serum-free culture systems.
Custom Formulation Studies
Standard glucose, HEPES, concentration, and supplement levels can be customized, with additions of chemicals, compounds, proteins, or a different pH available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified References
- McKeehan, W.L., McKeehan, K.A., Hammond, S.L. & Ham, R.G. (1977). Improved medium for clonal growth of human diploid fibroblasts at low concentrations of serum protein. In Vitro, 13(7): 399-416. PMID 301851. DOI 10.1007/BF02615100.
- McKeehan, W.L., Hamilton, W.G. & Ham, R.G. (1976). Selenium is an essential trace nutrient for the growth of WI-38 diploid human fibroblasts. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 73(6): 2023-2027. DOI 10.1073/pnas.73.6.2023.
- Hamilton, W.G. & Ham, R.G. (1977). Clonal growth of Chinese hamster cell lines in protein-free media. In Vitro, 13(9): 537-547.
- McKeehan, W.L. & Ham, R.G. (1977). [MCDB 201 reference] Dev. Biol. Stand., 37: 97-98.
- Ham, R.G. & McKeehan, W.L. (1979). Media and growth requirements. Methods in Enzymology, 58: 44-93.
- Peehl, D.M. & Ham, R.G. (1980). Clonal growth of human keratinocytes with small amounts of dialyzed serum. In Vitro, 16(6): 526-540. PMID 6156122. DOI 10.1007/BF02626466.
- Bettger, W.J., Boyce, S.T., Walthall, B.J. & Ham, R.G. (1981). Rapid clonal growth and serial passage of human diploid fibroblasts in a lipid-enriched synthetic medium supplemented with EGF, insulin, and dexamethasone. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 78(9): 5588-5592. PMID 7029539. DOI 10.1073/pnas.78.9.5588.
- Tsao, M.C., Walthall, B.J. & Ham, R.G. (1982). Clonal growth of normal human epidermal keratinocytes in a defined medium. J. Cell Physiol., 110(2): 219-229. PMID 7040427. DOI 10.1002/jcp.1041100217.
- Boyce, S.T. & Ham, R.G. (1983). Calcium-regulated differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes in chemically defined clonal culture and serum-free serial culture. J. Invest. Dermatol., 81(1 Suppl): 33s-40s. PMID 6345690. DOI 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12540422.
- Knedler, A. & Ham, R.G. (1987). Optimized medium for clonal growth of human microvascular endothelial cells with minimal serum. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol., 23(7): 481-491. PMID 3301790. DOI 10.1007/BF02628418.
- Ham, R.G. et al. (1988). Improved media for normal human muscle satellite cells. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol., 24(8): 833-844. PMID 3045074. (MCDB 120.)
- McKeehan, W.L. & Ham, R.G. (1976). Stimulation of clonal growth of normal fibroblasts with substrata coated with basic polymers. J. Cell Biol., 71: 727-734.
FluxMPS™ — Precision Cell Culture Media for Microphysiological Systems
Built for the architecture of the future. Not the flask of the past.
Traditional cell culture media were formulated for static well plates and flasks — environments that tolerate impurities, precipitates, and particle loads that would immediately compromise a microfluidic system. FluxMPS™ was designed from the ground up for Organ-on-Chip (OoC), Tissue-on-Chip (ToC), and Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platforms, where the medium itself is part of the instrument.
Purity That Protects Your Platform
FluxMPS™ is purified to 0.04 microns — finer than any ready-to-use cell culture media currently available. At this level, the microscopic particulates and protein aggregates that silently block micro-channels, disrupt laminar flow, and generate false biological signals are eliminated before the media ever reaches your chip.
The result: your platform stays operational, your data stays clean, and your biology drives the result — not your media.
Engineered for Flow, Not Just Growth
The name FluxMPS™ reflects its core design principle. Every component is optimized for consistent, laminar flow performance across:
- Complex micro-channel geometries
- Capillary-bed and vascular simulations
- Long-term automated perfusion studies running continuously for weeks
Zero-clogging performance is not a feature — it is the baseline specification.
Applications & Performance
| Application | What FluxMPS™ Delivers |
|---|---|
| Microfluidics | Stable shear stress; no channel blockage |
| Metabolic Tracing | Ultra-pure matrix with no contaminant interference |
| Long-term Perfusion | Consistent formulation stability over weeks of continuous flow |
| Organ-on-Chip | Optical clarity for real-time imaging and integrated biosensing |
Regulatory Foundation
FluxMPS™ is formulated to support FDA-recognized physiological modeling standards, providing a validated, reproducible media foundation for drug discovery, toxicology screening, and translational research. When your downstream data needs to stand up to regulatory scrutiny, your upstream media cannot be an afterthought.
The Bottom Line
Microfluidic platforms are precision instruments. They require precision inputs.
FluxMPS™ is the only ready-to-use cell culture medium engineered specifically to meet that standard — protecting your chip, your cells, and your science.
