Leibovitz's L15 medium is designed for cell culture in environments without carbon dioxide. The standard bicarbonate/carbon dioxide buffering system is replaced by a combination of free basic amino acids, phosphate buffer, and higher levels of galactose and sodium pyruvate. Thus, this medium does not require the addition of sodium bicarbonate and can be used under conditions of free gas exchange with the atmosphere. It contains glutamine, no proteins, lipids, or growth factors, and typically requires the addition of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for use.
