ABM Reagents

<h2 data-section-id="6b0hnw" data-start="102" data-end="151">What are SV40T antigen overexpression viruses?</h2>
&nbsp;
SV40T antigen overexpression viruses are recombinant lentiviral particles carrying the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen gene, a hexamer protein that inactivates the p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor pathways, bypassing the senescence checkpoints that normally limit primary cell proliferation. Some constructs deliver the large T antigen alone, while others include both large and small T antigens. Related entities include p53/Rb pathway inactivation, broad cross-species immortalization (human, mouse, rat, bovine, porcine, canine), karyotype/tumorigenicity characterization (soft agar assay), and antibiotic/fluorescent selection markers.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lenti-SV40 (tsA58 Mutant) for cell proliferation with inducible control and temperature-sensitive expression</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lenti-SV40T (Puro/Neo/No Marker) provides stable integration with versatile selection markers of highly concentrated lentiviral stocks&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adeno-SV40 Adenovirus for transient T-antigen expression with high-efficiency adenoviral vectors</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Retro-SV40 &amp; Retro-SV40LT for special integration in proliferating cells.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lenti-SV40Tt Lentivirus: Small T and Large T antigens for improved transformation.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2 data-section-id="ykynp3" data-start="1032" data-end="1092">How to choose SV40T antigen overexpression virus products</h2>
&nbsp;
Large T antigen alone vs. large and small T antigen
Constructs delivering large T antigen alone target p53/Rb pathway inactivation specifically, while large-and-small-T constructs include additional SV40 small T antigen activity affecting protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) signaling; confirm which form a published protocol specifies, since the two can produce different immortalization efficiencies and phenotypes.
Species applicability
SV40 large T antigen has documented immortalization success across human, mouse, rat, bovine, porcine, and canine primary cells, making it a broadly applicable option when hTERT (human-specific) is not suitable for the target species.
Selection marker and promoter
As with TERT lentivirus, SV40T constructs are available under CMV or EF1-alpha promoters with antibiotic resistance (puromycin, hygromycin, blasticidin, neomycin/G418, zeocin) or fluorescent-antibiotic fusion markers (GFP-Bsd, RFP-Puro); select based on the target cell line's existing markers and expected culture duration.
Post-immortalization characterization
Because SV40 large T antigen inactivates tumor suppressor pathways, immortalized lines should be characterized for karyotype changes and tested by assays such as soft agar colony formation and tumorigenicity testing if downstream applications require confirmation that the line has not undergone malignant transformation.
&nbsp;
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="3482" data-end="3507">Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
SV40T antigen lentivirus is typically supplied at titers around 1x10^8 TU/mL, shipped on dry ice and stored at -80&deg;C, with constructs validated by full-length sequencing and confirmed free of common contaminants. Immortalized lines derived from SV40T transduction are commonly characterized by Western blot or immunofluorescence confirming SV40-LT protein expression, alongside marker expression comparison to the original primary cells. As of 2026, SV40 large T antigen remains the most broadly cross-species-applicable immortalization approach, often selected when hTERT (human-specific) is not an option for the target species or when faster immortalization is prioritized over preserving the original phenotype.
This sub-category sits within MBP's cell immortalization catalog alongside TERT overexpression viruses and additional immortalization agents. Labs constructing custom SV40T expression vectors can also review MBP's cloning reagents. MBP's specialist team can help confirm species applicability and vector format for a specific primary cell type before order placement.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team </a>at MBP today to get high-quality SV40T antigen overexpression viruses.

SV40T Antigen Overexpression Viruses

MSDS

Lentiviral Vector Amplification - Protocol

Lentivector Packaging - Protocol

Lentivirus Infection - Protocol

Cell Immortalization - Handbook

Cell Immortalization Reagents - FAQ

Retro-SV40 Retrovirus

Retro-SV40 Retrovirus (G212) by Applied Biological Materials is a replication-incompetent retrovirus at 10⁸ IU/ml supplied as 5 × 50 µl, co-expressing SV40 large T and small t antigens for stable immortalization of actively dividing primary mammalian cells. Store at –80°C.

Unit Quantity

Description

Application

Expression System Type

Vector Map

Note

Caution

Shipping Condition

Retro-SV40LT Retrovirus

Retro-SV40LT Retrovirus (RVP010) by Applied Biological Materials is a replication-incompetent retrovirus at 10⁸ IU/ml supplied as 5 × 50 µl, expressing SV40 large T antigen (SV40LT) for stable genomic integration and immortalization of actively dividing primary mammalian cells. Store at –80°C.

Unpacking and Storage Instructions

<h2 dir="ltr">What Are Lentiviral Control &amp; Reporter Constructs?</h2>
 Rigorous experimental design requires matched controls that enter the same delivery workflow as the test construct. Lentiviral control and reporter constructs use the same vector backbones, promoters, and packaging systems as experimental vectors &mdash; ensuring observed differences between treated and control cells reflect genuine biological effects rather than artefacts of the delivery process.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/dna/cloning-services-products/lentivirus/over-expression/control/reporter/luciferase-reporter">Luciferase Reporters: </a>for reliable assay validation using selective promoter-specific vectors, fluorescent reporters, dual-reporter systems, and background control</li>
<li data-section-id="644n3l" data-start="108" data-end="253">Fluorescent Reporter Controls: GFP and RFP lentiviral vectors and viruses for monitoring transduction efficiency and transgene expression.</li>
<li data-section-id="19809zr" data-start="255" data-end="399">Blank Control Vectors &amp; Viruses: Empty lentiviral backbones for negative controls, promoter evaluation, and custom construct development.</li>
<li data-section-id="112pumm" data-start="401" data-end="569">Promoter &amp; UTR Reporter Systems:&nbsp; Reporter vectors designed for promoter activity and regulatory element analysis, including promoter and 5&prime; UTR reporter formats.</li>
<li data-section-id="1j5a9h3" data-start="571" data-end="736">Selectable Marker Controls: Control constructs with puromycin, neomycin, hygromycin, and blasticidin resistance markers for selection and workflow validation.</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"> How to Choose Control &amp; Reporter Constructs</h2>
 Control Type Needed Empty vector controls carry only the selection marker (puromycin, blasticidin, or hygromycin resistance) without a gene of interest, providing the baseline reference for overexpression or knockdown experiments. Fluorescent Reporter Channel GFP and RFP lentiviral reporters allow real-time monitoring of transduction efficiency by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy, matching the experimental construct's promoter for an accurate expected-expression reference. Luciferase Reporter Pairing Firefly luciferase (P. pyralis) and Renilla luciferase (R. reniformis) are the two most commonly paired reporters; because they use different substrates (D-luciferin and coelenterazine, respectively), both signals can be measured sequentially from the same sample. Promoter-less Baseline A promoter-less dual luciferase control vector provides a no-promoter baseline against which promoter-driven reporter constructs are normalised &mdash; useful for establishing background signal levels. Vector Backbone Matching Using a matched vector backbone ensures observed differences between experimental and control cells are due to the transgene, not differences in vector, promoter strength, integration preference, or selection marker. 
<h2 dir="ltr"> Specifications Context</h2>
 Because lentiviral integration is heritable, transduced cells maintain stable reporter gene expression across cell divisions &mdash; stable luciferase or GFP reporter cell lines generated this way are widely used in drug screening, pathway activation assays, and long-term in vivo imaging. Through ABM, MBP can supply promoter-reporter lentiviral constructs covering human and mouse promoters, driving firefly luciferase or GFP expression, as plasmid DNA or pre-packaged particles. Both plasmid and pre-packaged formats are available for immediate dispatch, with institutional account pricing available for core facilities. Core facilities managing reporter constructs across multiple research groups often standardise on a small set of validated control vectors to simplify inventory and ensure consistency across projects.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at MBP today to get high-quality lentiviral control/reporters for your lab.

Control/Reporter

Selection-Drug Killing Curve

Lentivector Packaging Protocol

Lentivirus Infection Protocol

Lentiviral Vector Amplification Protocol

AAV Infection Guideline

AAV Packaging Protocol

RFP Control Lentivirus (Neo)

LV058 by Applied Biological Materials is a pre-packaged RFP (mKate2, excitation 588 nm / emission 633 nm) + Neomycin-resistance lentiviral control virus. Supplied at 1×106 IU/mL as 4 × 500 µL. Matched irrelevant-gene control for G418-selectable lentiviral expression experiments. Ready to transduce. Store at −80°C; shipped on dry ice.

Titer

RFP Control Lentivirus (Puro)

LV096 by Applied Biological Materials is a pre-packaged RFP + Puromycin-resistance lentiviral control virus. Supplied at 1×106 IU/mL as 4 × 500 µL. Matched irrelevant-gene control for Puromycin-selectable lentiviral expression experiments. Ready to transduce. Store at −80°C; shipped on dry ice.

<h2>What are RNA/cDNA Sequencing Cleanup Reagents?</h2>
&nbsp;
RNA/cDNA sequencing cleanup reagents purify RNA and complementary DNA during RNA sequencing library preparation workflows by removing enzymes, buffer salts, unincorporated nucleotides, short nucleic acid fragments, and other reaction contaminants that can interfere with downstream processing and sequencing. These reagents are commonly used after RNA processing, cDNA synthesis, library construction, amplification, and other enzymatic steps to improve nucleic acid purity and workflow performance.
&nbsp;
<h2>What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Magbio HighPrep&trade; RNA Elite: A high-performance magnetic reagent optimized for the selective recovery of RNA and cDNA from complex enzymatic reactions.</li>
<li>RNA Purification Magnetic Beads: High-affinity matrices engineered for rapid, centrifugation-free isolation, delivering reproducibility-tested yields in automated workflows.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Choose an RNA/cDNA Sequencing Cleanup Reagent</h2>
&nbsp;
RNA vs. cDNA Workflows
Select a cleanup reagent compatible with the nucleic acid being processed. RNA-focused cleanup reagents are designed for purification and recovery of RNA products, while many magnetic bead-based systems can also be used for cDNA cleanup, concentration, and size-selection workflows.
Cleanup vs. Size Selection
Cleanup workflows remove reaction contaminants such as enzymes, salts, and unincorporated nucleotides. Size-selection workflows enrich RNA or cDNA fragments within a desired size range when required by the downstream library preparation protocol.
Throughput Requirements
Magnetic bead-based cleanup systems support both low-throughput manual processing and higher-throughput workflows that benefit from automation and 96-well format compatibility.
Automation Compatibility
Magnetic bead-based purification eliminates centrifugation during the cleanup process and can be integrated into automated liquid-handling and magnetic separation workflows.
Quality Assessment
Following cleanup, RNA and cDNA quality are commonly assessed using fluorometric quantification methods and fragment analysis platforms to verify concentration, integrity, and size distribution prior to sequencing.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
&nbsp;
RNA/cDNA sequencing cleanup reagents provide purification of RNA and cDNA products generated during library preparation and other enzymatic workflows. Magnetic bead-based systems enable cleanup, concentration, and size selection without organic extraction or vacuum filtration and are compatible with both manual and automated processing.&nbsp;MagBio HighPrep RNA Elite supports the cleanup and recovery of RNA and cDNA products used in transcriptomics and sequencing workflows, while RNA Purification Magnetic Beads provide rapid magnetic bead-based purification and recovery of RNA samples without centrifugation.&nbsp;These reagents are widely used in RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, gene expression analysis, and related molecular biology workflows where contaminant removal, nucleic acid recovery, and workflow scalability are important for library quality and downstream sequencing performance.
&nbsp;
Ensure the fidelity of your molecular data&mdash;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">contact the MBP team</a> today for a quote on our advanced RNA/cDNA cleanup solutions.

RNA/c-DNA

DataSheet

RNA Purification Magnetic Beads

G971 RNA Purification Magnetic Beads by Applied Biological Materials are RNase-free carboxyl-coated paramagnetic beads for reversible RNA binding, purification, and concentration in NGS library clean-up, RNA clean-up, and RNA concentration workflows. 5 ml; automation-compatible; cost-effective RNAClean XP alternative. Store at 4&deg;C; do not freeze. Magnetic rack required (not included).

Storage Condition

<h2>What Are Nucleases?</h2>
&nbsp;
Nucleases are enzymes that cleave phosphodiester bonds between nucleotide subunits in nucleic acids. Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) act on DNA; ribonucleases (RNases) act on RNA; and some nucleases (S1 Nuclease, Mung Bean Nuclease) act on both single-stranded DNA and RNA. Nucleases are further divided into endonucleases, which cleave internal phosphodiester bonds, and exonucleases, which progressively remove nucleotides from the 5' or 3' terminus of a strand. Major research nucleases include DNase I (non-specific endonuclease for both ss- and ds-DNA), RNase A (cleaves single-stranded RNA at pyrimidine residues), RNase H (degrades the RNA strand of RNA: DNA hybrids), Exonuclease III (removes nucleotides from 3'-recessed or blunt ends of duplex DNA), S1 Nuclease (degrades single-stranded DNA or RNA), and RNase R (degrades linear RNA but not circular RNA). Match the nuclease to the substrate type (single-stranded vs. double-stranded, DNA vs. RNA), the directionality required (endo vs. exo), and cofactor compatibility with your reaction buffer.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
PureRec RNase A (Recombinant): A ribonuclease free of animal-derived components, designed for the swift elimination of RNA from DNA samples, ensuring no threat of viral contamination.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
DNase I Set (RNase-free): A highly effective endonuclease formulated for complete DNA digestion in delicate RNA applications while preserving the integrity of the transcript.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
PureRec Duplex-Specific Nuclease (DSN): A unique enzyme designed to equalize high-abundance transcripts, greatly enhancing the identification of rare variants in cDNA libraries.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
RNase R: A distinctive 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease that breaks down linear RNA but preserves circular RNA forms, crucial for the identification of circRNA.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
RNaseOFF Inhibitor: A strong protein-based barrier that counteracts a wide range of RNases, maintaining the delicate transcriptional environment of your samples.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Choose Nucleases</h2>
&nbsp;
DNase selection
DNase I (bovine pancreatic, recombinant) non-specifically cleaves both single- and double-stranded DNA in the presence of Mg2+ (random cleavage) or Mn2+ (double-strand cuts at approximately the same position on both strands). Use RNase-free DNase I for RNA preparations to remove genomic DNA contamination. Use Plasmid-Safe ATP-Dependent DNase to selectively degrade linear double-stranded DNA while preserving supercoiled and relaxed circular plasmid DNA. Baseline-ZERO DNase is optimized for the complete removal of trace DNA without damaging RNA.
RNase selection
RNase A cleaves single-stranded RNA at pyrimidine (C and U) residues to produce 3'-pyrimidine nucleotides; it is used to remove RNA from DNA preps, to perform RNase protection assays, and to analyze RNA secondary structure. RNase H degrades the RNA strand of RNA: DNA duplexes and is used after first-strand cDNA synthesis to remove the mRNA template. RNase R (3'-&gt;5' exoribonuclease) degrades all linear RNA without affecting circular RNA, and is used in circular RNA enrichment workflows and to characterize circular RNA splice junctions. Terminator 5'-Phosphate-Dependent Exonuclease (Terminator) digests linear RNA with a 5'-monophosphate, enriching for capped mRNA or circular RNA.
Exonuclease selection
Exonuclease III (Exo III) removes nucleotides from the 3' terminus of duplex DNA and generates single-stranded regions used in unidirectional nested deletions, mapping regulatory elements, and generating single-stranded templates for sequencing. Exonuclease I (Exo I) digests single-stranded DNA in the 3'-&gt;5' direction and is used after PCR to remove unincorporated primers before Sanger sequencing. Lambda Exonuclease removes nucleotides from 5'-phosphorylated duplex DNA in the 5'-&gt;3' direction and is used in isothermal amplification and strand displacement workflows.
Cofactor and inhibitor sensitivity
DNase I requires Mg2+ or Ca2+ for activity and is completely inhibited by EDTA at a 5 mM concentration. RNase A is active across a wide pH range (optimum 7.0-7.5) and is exceptionally stable; inactivation requires proteinase K digestion, phenol-chloroform extraction, or RNase inhibitor protein. RNase H requires Mg2+; RNase R requires Mg2+ and is most active between 37-50 degrees C.
Purity and application grade
For RNA-focused applications, all nucleases used on DNA substrates must be certified RNase-free. For DNA-focused work, DNase-free grades of RNases are required. Confirm lot-specific QC contamination data from the manufacturer before use in sensitive workflows.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
&nbsp;
DNase I activity is expressed in Kunitz units: 1 unit increases A260 by 0.001 per minute per mL during DNA hydrolysis at pH 5.0. RNase A activity is expressed as the amount of enzyme hydrolyzing 50% of an RNA substrate under defined conditions; it remains active at a wide range of temperatures and is notoriously difficult to inactivate (requires boiling in SDS, proteinase K digestion, or phenol-chloroform extraction). RNase R from E. coli degrades linear RNA processively in the 3'-&gt;5' direction and is used at 2-10 U per microgram of total RNA to enrich for circular RNA species. RNase R treatment before library construction is the standard method for circular RNA sequencing (circRNA-seq) workflows on both short-read and long-read platforms. For protecting RNA from RNase contamination during nuclease-adjacent workflows, see&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/reagents/molecular-biology/enzymes-and-inhibitors">RNase inhibitors</a>&nbsp;in the parent Enzymes and Inhibitors category.
&nbsp;
Safeguard your molecular images&mdash;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">reach out to the MBP team</a> now to obtain a quote for our sophisticated nucleases and inhibitors.

Nucleases

RNase A

G117 by Applied Biological Materials is RNase A — bovine pancreatic endoribonuclease, 25 mg lyophilized. Cleaves ssRNA at C and U residues. For RNA removal from plasmid DNA preps, genomic DNA isolations, RPA assays, and RNA sequence analysis. Prepare stock at 10 mg/mL in water. Store at −20°C.

Concentration

RNase A Solution

RNase A Solution G118 — 10 mg/ml, 1.0 ml. Cleaves single-stranded RNA at C and U residues. For RNA removal from plasmid DNA preparations, RNase protection assays, and cell lysate processing. Working concentration determined by end user. Store at −20 °C.

Shipping condition

RNase R

E049 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant E. coli RNase R at 10 U/µL, supplied as 500 U (50 µL) with 10× Reaction Buffer. 3′-to-5′ exonuclease degrades linear RNA; leaves circRNA, lariat RNA, and dsRNA (&lt;7 nt overhang) intact. For circRNA enrichment, lariat identification, and splicing studies. Store at −20°C; stable 1 year.

Format General

Expression System General

Reaction Definition

Reaction Buffer

Storage Buffer

RNase R with RNaseOFF Bundle

E049-G138 by Applied Biological Materials is the RNase R with RNaseOFF Bundle: E049 RNase R (500 U, 10 U/µL; degrades linear RNA, spares circRNA/lariat) + G138S RNaseOFF Ribonuclease Inhibitor (800 U, 40 U/µL; RNA protection). Complete reagent pair for circRNA enrichment and lariat RNA research. Store at −20°C.

Certificate of Analysis

Flyer

RNaseOFF Ribonuclease Inhibitor Product Testing Report

RNaseOFF Ribonuclease Inhibitor

G138 by Applied Biological Materials is RNaseOFF Ribonuclease Inhibitor, supplied at 40 U/µL as 4,000 U (100 µL). Inhibits RNase A, B, and C with no polymerase inhibition. Enhanced oxidation resistance; stable at DTT &lt;1 mM and at 70°C. For RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, IVT, cDNA synthesis, and RNA storage. Larger format available as G591.

G591 by Applied Biological Materials is RNaseOFF Ribonuclease Inhibitor — 100,000 U (2 × 1.25 mL) at 40 U/µL. Inhibits RNase A, B, and C; no polymerase inhibition; oxidation-resistant; stable at &lt;1 mM DTT and 70°C. For RT-PCR, in vitro transcription, cDNA synthesis, RNA storage. Smaller size: G138. Store at −20°C.

<h2 data-section-id="185nm5c" data-start="0" data-end="38">What is classic cell culture media?</h2>
&nbsp;
Classic cell culture media refers to the foundational basal medium formulations that have underpinned mammalian cell culture for decades, including DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium), MEM (Minimum Essential Medium), RPMI 1640, Ham's F-10, Ham's F-12, IMDM (Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium), and DMEM/F-12. These media provide the amino acids, vitamins, glucose, salts, buffering agents, and other nutrients required to support cell survival and growth in vitro. They form the basis of many modern specialized, serum-free, and advanced media formulations used in academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and biomanufacturing.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" aria-level="1">
&nbsp;Availability of both low and high carbohydrate levels of balanced basal formulations for the distinct metabolic requirements of diverse mammalian cell lines.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" aria-level="1">
Maintenance of precise physiological pH during long-term incubation cycles using optimized buffering configurations with integrated chemical stabilizers&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" aria-level="1">
Nutrient-dense cell media supplemented with vitamins and essential amino acids to support&nbsp; hybridomas and rapidly proliferating continuous cultures
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" aria-level="1">
Optimized serum reduction along with enhanced cell attachment using&nbsp;Multi-purpose 1:1 formulation hybrids&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" aria-level="1">
Salt solutions supplemented with essential minerals to facilitate enzyme preparation, cell washing, and reliable short-term osmotic maintenance.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2 data-section-id="1blio5n" data-start="931" data-end="964">How to choose a classic medium</h2>
&nbsp;
DMEM vs MEM
DMEM contains up to four times the amino acids and vitamins found in MEM, along with higher glucose concentrations, making it suitable for cell types with elevated nutrient demands. It is widely used for primary cells, stem cells, and many transformed mammalian cell lines. MEM, based on the original Eagle's formulation, remains a common choice for standard monolayer culture and is available with different salt formulations to support various applications.
RPMI 1640 for suspension and hematopoietic culture
RPMI 1640 was originally developed for culturing human leukemic cells and remains the preferred medium for lymphocytes, hybridomas, and other hematopoietic cell types. Its formulation includes glutathione and elevated levels of biotin, vitamin B12, and PABA. Although designed for suspension cultures, RPMI 1640 also supports a wide range of adherent cell lines when appropriately supplemented.
Ham's F-10/F-12 for CHO and specialized applications
Ham's nutrient mixtures were developed for CHO cells and other specialized cell types. Their formulations include additional nutrients such as zinc, putrescine, hypoxanthine, and thymidine, making them useful for hepatocyte culture, toxicity testing, viral fusion studies, and other specialized applications. These media can be used with or without serum depending on the experimental requirements.
DMEM/F-12 for complex, rich-medium applications
DMEM/F-12 combines the nutrient-rich composition of DMEM with the specialized components found in Ham's F-12. The resulting formulation supports demanding cell types including MDCK cells, glial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. It is also widely used as the foundation for many serum-free and advanced culture systems.
IMDM for high-density rapid proliferation
IMDM is an enriched derivative of DMEM that contains additional amino acids, vitamins, HEPES buffer, sodium pyruvate, and potassium nitrate. Its enhanced nutrient profile makes it particularly suitable for rapidly proliferating and high-density cultures such as Jurkat cells, COS-7 cells, and macrophages.
Liquid vs powder format
Liquid classic media are supplied ready for use after the addition of serum and required supplements. Powdered media offer lower shipping costs and greater flexibility for high-volume laboratories but require reconstitution, sodium bicarbonate addition, and sterile filtration before use.
&nbsp;
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="4382" data-end="4407">Specifications context</h2>
&nbsp;
Classic media are manufactured according to their original published formulations, with only stability-related modifications where necessary. Most liquid formulations contain sodium bicarbonate as the primary buffering system and require incubation in a 5&ndash;10% CO₂ atmosphere to maintain physiological pH. Powdered formulations require reconstitution, sodium bicarbonate supplementation, and sterile filtration before use.
As of 2026, DMEM, DMEM/F-12, and RPMI 1640 remain the most widely used classic cell culture media across academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and biomanufacturing laboratories. IMDM continues to gain popularity for high-density culture and bioprocessing applications.
For recombinant growth factors and cytokines used alongside classic media, see Recombinant Proteins. For supplementation reagents such as GlutaMAX, NEAA, sodium pyruvate, and HEPES, see Cell Culture Supplements &amp; Additives. Browse Mammalian Cell Culture for the broader category.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at MBP today and get optimized classic media for your lab.

Classic Media

RPMI 1640 Medium

RPMI 1640 Medium (TM503) by Applied Biological Materials is a 500 ml sterile basal medium containing L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate (2.0 g/L), and phenol red (no HEPES) for culture of Jurkat, MCF-7, HeLa, PBMC, astrocytes, and carcinoma lines. Supplement with 10% FBS; requires 5–10% CO₂. Store at 2–8°C, protected from light.