I'd like a powdered form of MCDB 131 Medium with sodium bicarbonate added, and I've noticed that not only is the powder form of this medium difficult to find with NaHCO3 already included, but the same is true for other media like DMEMs. Liquid versions that include NaHCO3 are plentiful. So are powders made this way because the amount of CO2 exposure varies between cell lines/projects and the concentration of buffer therefore needs to vary as well? Or is there some concern with NaHCO3 interacting with other components in its powdered form? Or perhaps it has to do the with manufacturing process for powders? I can't think of a reason that milling in an industrial mill with ceramic stones, for example, would be problematic for sodium bicarbonate, though. I'd love any insights on this.
Sodium bicarbonate can take up moisture which could lead to spoilage or caking. This is the only possible reason I could find. However, its effects will depend on how much sodium bicarbonate is in the mixture.If it is only a small portion then it might not be a problem.
Hello Caitlyn Gallagher
Powdered cell culture medias are formulated without sodium bicarbonate because it tends to gas off in the powdered state.
Best.
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