BrainPhys Imaging Optimized Medium

Engineered by STEMCELL Technologies for fluorescence live-cell imaging of neuronal networks, this phenol red-free, serum-free medium minimizes background autofluorescence and optical interference during confocal, epifluorescence, and two-photon microscopy. It sustains iPSC-derived and primary neurons across culture windows of several weeks while supporting action potential firing, synaptic puncta density, and measurable network bursting on multi-electrode arrays.

Built on the BrainPhys basal formulation, the medium preserves neuronal viability and electrophysiological maturity on glass-bottom dishes, polymer coverslips, and multi-well plates. Researchers pair it with a BrainPhys-compatible supplement to maintain neurons once imaging begins, and downstream protocols include calcium indicator imaging, voltage sensor recordings, synapse quantification, and post-fixation immunohistochemistry for synaptic markers.

Shipped as a ready-to-use liquid bottle, the product should be refrigerated on arrival, protected from light to preserve ascorbic acid and glutamine stability, and equilibrated to 37 °C before use. It is intended for in vitro research use only and supports cell culture workflows requiring repeat imaging without medium-induced pH shifts or phototoxicity artifacts.