PowerStem EST is a fully defined, serum-free system for the cultivation and proliferation of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (mES cells) and their subsequent differentiation into beating myocardial cells (e.g. for the embryonic stem cell test EST). The EST has been formally validated by the European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) as an acceptable in vitro embryotoxicity assay.

• Store at –20 °C

It is composed of a complex basal medium containing salts, amino acids, vitamins, and micronutrients to which a serum-free supplement (PowerStem EST growth supplement) consisting of a mixture of proteins, growth factors and hormones is added immediately before to use.

For sustainment in undifferentiated condition and growth of ES cells, mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (mLIF, 1000 U/ml) is added to the supplemented basal medium (PowerStem EST LIF supplement). For differentiation into beating myocardial cells, a mix of differentiation factors (PowerStem EST differentiation supplement) is added to the supplemented basal medium (without mLIF).