BrainPhys Neuronal Medium

Formulated by STEMCELL Technologies in collaboration with the Salk Institute, this defined neuronal culture medium reproduces the ionic and nutrient profile of cerebrospinal fluid to keep primary and iPSC-derived neurons physiologically active in vitro. The recipe reflects brain-like concentrations of glucose, amino acids, and inorganic salts rather than the supraphysiological loads carried by DMEM/F12-based legacy formulations. It sustains spontaneous action potential firing, synapse formation, and synchronous network activity over weeks of cell culture without requiring a glial feeder layer. Typical downstream applications include whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, multi-electrode array recordings, and in vitro modeling of neurodegenerative disease. The basal medium is supplied as a 500 ml bottle and must be combined with the BrainPhys Neuronal Supplement and SM-1 additive to assemble the complete working formulation. Store refrigerated, protect from light, and use within the labeled shelf life of approximately 12 months.