Product Description

Melanocyte Growth Supplement (MelGS) is a medium supplement designed for the optimal growth of normal human melanocytes in vitro. It is a sterile, concentrated (100X) solution which contains growth factors, hormones, and proteins necessary for the culture of normal human melanocytes. The supplement is formulated (quantitatively and qualitatively) to provide a defined and optimally balanced growth environment that maximally promotes the growth of normal human melanocytes in vitro. The supplement is designed as an additive for melanocyte medium (MelM, cat. no. 2201) and should be used in conjunction with that medium.

Components

MelGS is packaged in the quantity of supplement suited for a 500 ml bottle of melanocyte medium. When a 500 ml bottle of melanocyte medium is supplemented with MelGS, the final concentrations of the supplement components per milliliter will be BSA 10 μg, apo-transferrin 10 μg, insulin 5 mg, BPE 40 mg, Cholera toxin 10-9 M, EGF 2 ng, SCF 2 ng, PMA 10 ng and hydrocortisone 0.5 mg. Note: Due to BPE in the growth supplement, formation of lipoproteins can cause precipitates to be present; the color may vary with different lots.

Product Use

MelGS is for research use only.  It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage

Store the MelGS at -20oC before adding to fibroblast medium.

Shipping

Dry ice.

Prepare for use

Thaw MelGS at 37oC. Gently tilt the MelGS tube several times during thawing to help the contents dissolve. Make sure the contents of the supplement are completely dissolved into solution before adding to the medium. Rinse the bottle and tubes with 70% ethanol, and then wipe to remove excess. Remove the cap, being careful not to touch the interior threads with fingers. Add MelGS and other components (FBS and P/S solution) into basal melanocyte medium (MelM, cat. no. 2201) in a sterile field, mix well and then the reconstituted medium is ready for use. Since several components of fibroblast medium are light-labile, it is recommended that the medium not be exposed to light for lengthy periods of time. If the medium is warmed prior to use, do not exceed 37oC. When stored in the dark at 4oC, the reconstituted medium is stable for one month.