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HSC-T6 Complete Medium

Updated: 2026-07-21

Overview

HSC-T6 Cell Complete Medium is a pre-formulated solution optimized for culturing HSC-T6 cells, an immortalized rat hepatic stellate cell line. These cells are pivotal in studying liver fibrosis, extracellular matrix deposition, and related pathologies. The medium typically combines a basal nutrient mixture (e.g., DMEM/F12) with critical additives like fetal bovine serum (10-20%), antibiotics (penicillin/streptomycin), L-glutamine, and sometimes insulin or dexamethasone. Commercial formulations may vary in supplemental components, but all aim to mimic physiological conditions for consistent cell growth. The medium is designed to maintain cell phenotype and functionality over multiple passages, making it indispensable for in vitro experiments requiring stable HSC-T6 behavior.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The medium appears as a clear to slightly opaque liquid, often tinted red by phenol red pH indicator. It has a near-neutral pH (7.2-7.4) and osmolality (~290 mOsm/kg) to match physiological conditions. Key components include amino acids, vitamins, glucose, and inorganic salts, with serum providing proteins and lipids. Stability is temperature-dependent: unopened bottles remain viable for 6-12 months at 2-8°C, but once supplemented with growth factors or serum, the shelf life reduces to 2-4 weeks when refrigerated. Freezing is generally discouraged due to potential precipitation of serum proteins or degradation of labile components like growth factors.

Main Applications

Primarily, this medium supports HSC-T6 cell proliferation in liver fibrosis research, where these cells model collagen production and fibrogenic activation. It’s also used in cytotoxicity assays, gene expression studies, and screening antifibrotic drugs. The standardized formulation ensures reproducibility across labs investigating TGF-β signaling, oxidative stress, or ECM remodeling. In toxicology, the medium facilitates studies on hepatotoxin-induced stellate cell activation. Some variants include low-serum or serum-free options for specific experiments requiring reduced background interference. Custom formulations may add cytokines (e.g., PDGF) to simulate disease states or test therapeutic interventions.

Safety and Storage

While non-hazardous, the medium may contain bovine-derived components, requiring biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) handling. Sterile techniques are mandatory to avoid contamination. Use personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat) and dispose of waste according to institutional guidelines for biological materials. Storage at 2-8°C is critical; avoid repeated warming to room temperature. Post-supplementation, divide into aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles if necessary. Inspect for cloudiness or color changes before use, as these may indicate bacterial growth or component degradation. Serum-free versions often have shorter shelf lives due to the absence of stabilizing serum proteins.

B2B Procurement Guide

When sourcing HSC-T6 Cell Complete Medium, prioritize suppliers with ISO 13485 or GMP certification to ensure consistency. Key evaluation criteria include: serum origin (e.g., South American vs. Australian FBS), endotoxin levels (<10 EU/mL), and mycoplasma testing documentation. Bulk buyers should negotiate batch-specific certificates of analysis (CoA). For research requiring regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA submissions), opt for media with full traceability of animal-derived components. Consider modular systems where basal medium and supplements are purchased separately for flexibility. Lead times can vary; specialty formulations may require 2-4 weeks for production. Some vendors offer custom blending for large-scale or niche applications.

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