The Importance of pH Control in Media for Cell Growth

The necessity of pH control in IMDM is indispensable for a successful cell culture. The slightest pH shift can have an effect on cell functions. But what makes the pH balance in Iscove’s Modified Dulbecco’s Medium so important? What causes these pH fluctuations, and how can researchers maintain stability in cell growth? Keep reading this blog to know in detail about it.

How does pH Influence Cell Growth in Cell Cultures?

The best pH for cells to function is within a range of 7.2 to 7.4, which is close to normal physiological conditions. This balance is required for optimal performance in enzyme activity, protein synthesis, and cellular respiration functions.

If the pH drops too low, the cells experience metabolic stress causing slower growth or cell death. And if it goes too high, it will affect protein function and disrupt the essential cellular mechanisms.

Why is pH Stability a Challenge in IMDM Medium?

Cell culture’s biggest challenge is in maintaining pH stability over time. Since IMDM media is designated for high-density cultures, nutrients are consumed quickly and alter the environment.

Lactic acid and other by-products are released during metabolism in cells, these can decrease the pH. Changes in the concentration of CO₂ levels ultimately affect the sodium bicarbonate buffering system, which impacts the metabolic buffering of pH.

How Does Carbon Dioxide Affect pH in IMDM Media?

In the IMDM medium, sodium bicarbonate is used as a buffering agent, acting with CO₂ to maintain pH levels. The shift in equilibrium with varying levels of CO₂ leads to pH imbalance. Low CO₂ levels mean the medium becomes too alkaline, and high concentrations will make the medium highly acidic, affecting cell growth and viability.

What Can Researchers Do to Maintain pH Balance?

To ensure consistent pH stability, the researcher should maintain a 5% CO₂ incubator. A proper buffering capacity is obtained in the stated environment where rapid changes in pH would otherwise affect cell viability.

Also, the replacement of medium regularly is beneficial by excluding remains and re-establishing valuable nutrients. Retention of oxygen and temperature variations pose further stability issues to the pH level.

Where Can You Find High-Quality IMDM Media?

At Purma Biologics LLC, we fully understand the importance of pH control within cell culture. Our formulation is in IMDM Medium, designed with the highest levels of stability for the best environment for cell growth.

A top-performing IMDM by Purma Biologics is made to provide a standardized and reproducible research performance through strict quality control and an advanced formula.

Due to our reliable IMDM, Purma Biologics media always comes out the best for cell cultures.