Details for amaxa FAQ article #113

«In your optimized protocols for MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, you say to culture the cells without CO₂. Why?»

The media recommended by the ATCC® for these cells is Leibovitz's L-15 medium which does not contain sodium bicarbonate to act as a buffer for the carbonic acid that would normally form in the presence of CO₂.
Furthermore, if the cells are cultured in Leibovitz's medium and grown in the presence of CO₂, it will cause reduced cell viability.

If the cells are grown in other types of media such as DMEM, this is not a concern.