<h2 data-section-id="pdko8n" data-start="0" data-end="50">What are recombinant proteins for cell culture?</h2>
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Recombinant proteins for cell culture are biologically active growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules produced using recombinant DNA technology to control specific cellular functions in vitro. Growth factors such as FGF (fibroblast growth factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), and TGF-&beta; (transforming growth factor beta) regulate cell growth, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Cytokines including IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 influence immune cell activation, expansion, and function. These proteins are widely used in serum-free and chemically defined media, stem cell and iPSC culture, immune cell expansion, organoid development, hybridoma production, and cell and gene therapy workflows where precise control over cellular signaling is required.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Includes cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and signaling proteins to support proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of&nbsp;mammalian cells</li>
<li>Rat, human, and mouse recombinant proteins compatible with translational research models and diverse mammalian cell culture&nbsp;</li>
<li>Optimizing cell metabolic activity, signalling pathways, and experimental reproducibility in vitro using recombinant proteins&nbsp;</li>
<li>Suitable for organoid development, expansion of cells, activation of immune cells, neuronal studies, and protein expression workflow optimization.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="4x59d8" data-start="1050" data-end="1118">How to choose recombinant proteins, cytokines, and growth factors</h2>
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Quality grade: RUO vs. preclinical vs. GMP
Research-use-only (RUO) proteins are suitable for most academic and industrial research applications. Preclinical-grade proteins provide enhanced documentation and quality control for studies supporting clinical development. GMP-grade proteins are manufactured under controlled quality systems with complete traceability and lot-to-lot bioactivity verification, making them appropriate for cell therapy, gene therapy, and other regulated applications.
Expression system and post-translational modifications
The production system can significantly affect protein activity. HEK293 and other mammalian expression systems preserve native human post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which are often necessary for full biological function. Bacterial expression systems such as E. coli may offer lower cost and higher yields but cannot reproduce many of these modifications.
Carrier-free formulation
Carrier-free recombinant proteins are formulated without stabilizing proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). This eliminates potential experimental interference from carrier proteins and supports serum-free, animal-component-free, and GMP-compatible workflows. Carrier-free formulations are especially important when studying sensitive signaling pathways or developing clinical manufacturing processes.
Endotoxin level and purity
Endotoxins can stimulate inflammatory responses and alter cell behavior, particularly in immune cell cultures. For T-cell expansion, stem cell culture, and other sensitive applications, low-endotoxin or endotoxin-free proteins with documented purity above 95% are preferred to ensure reproducible results.
Stability format: standard vs. thermostable
Standard recombinant proteins gradually lose activity during prolonged incubation at 37&deg;C. Thermostable variants, such as engineered FGF2 formulations, maintain biological activity for longer periods and reduce the need for frequent media supplementation. These products can improve workflow efficiency in stem cell maintenance and differentiation protocols.
Storage and reconstitution
Lyophilized recombinant proteins offer extended shelf life and are typically stored frozen until use. After reconstitution, proteins should be aliquoted into single-use portions whenever possible to minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can reduce activity. Proper storage conditions vary by product and should follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
<h2 data-section-id="rxnuuy" data-start="3659" data-end="3704">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="4451" data-end="4476">Specifications context</h2>
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Modern recombinant cytokines and growth factors are available in a wide range of formats including carrier-free, low-endotoxin, animal-component-free, and GMP-grade formulations. Many GMP-grade cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 undergo lot-specific bioactivity testing using validated reference standards to ensure consistent biological performance. Mammalian-cell-expressed proteins are increasingly preferred for applications requiring native structure and maximum biological activity.
As of 2026, carrier-free, low-endotoxin recombinant proteins produced in mammalian expression systems have become the preferred choice for stem cell culture, immune cell expansion, organoid development, and advanced biomanufacturing workflows.
For basal media used alongside recombinant proteins, see Classic Media. For additional supplementation reagents, 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 recombinant proteins for your lab.

Recombinant Proteins

MSDS

Growth Factor-eFlyer

Growth Factors and Cytokines-Brochure

Growth Factors and Cytokines-FAQ

Role of Growth Factors in Cell Differentiation-Poster

Recombinant Human HB-EGF (Heparin Binding EGF)

Recombinant Human HB-EGF (Heparin-Binding EGF), Z102155 by ABM. Expressed in E. coli; 10.1 kDa; &gt;95% purity; tag-free. ED50 ≤1.0 ng/mL (Balb/c 3T3). Reconstitute in sterile PBS at 250 µg/mL. For EGFR/ErbB4 and wound healing research.

Organism

Family

Aliases

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Gene ID

Accession Number

Source

Species

Appearance

Molecular Weight

Endotoxin Level

Purity

Formulation

Function

Reconstitution

Storage

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Manufacturer

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Storage Condition

Recombinant Human HB-EGF (Heparin Binding EGF), 50 µg

Recombinant Human HB-EGF (Heparin Binding EGF), 200 µg

Recombinant Human HB-EGF (Heparin Binding EGF), 1.0 mg

Flyer

Brochure

Recombinant Human HCC-1  (CCL14)

Z100305 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human HCC-1 (CCL14) — 9 kDa, tag-free, E. coli expression, &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, lyophilized from 20 mM PB/100 mM NaCl pH 7.5, 10 µg/unit. CCR1 monocyte chemoattractant; activity at 2–40 ng/mL. Research use only.

Recombinant Human HCC-1  (CCL14), 10 µg

Recombinant Human HCC-1  (CCL14), 100 µg

Recombinant Human HCC-1 (CCL14), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human HCC-2  (CCL15)

Z100315 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human HCC-2 (CCL15) — 10 kDa, tag-free, E. coli expression, &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, lyophilized from 20 mM PB/100 mM NaCl pH 7.5, 25 µg/unit. CCR1/CCR3 ligand. Research use only.

Recombinant Human HCC-2  (CCL15), 25 µg

Recombinant Human HCC-2 (CCL15), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human HGF

Z102775 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant human HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Scatter Factor), produced in HEK293 cells with &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE and an EC50 of ≤20 ng/mL in epithelial cell proliferation assays. This 70 kDa tag-free lyophilized protein supports liver regeneration, MET receptor signaling, EMT research, and cell scatter assays.

Recombinant Human HGF, 10 µg

Recombinant Human HGF, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNA

Recombinant Human IFNA4 (Z102405) by ABM — E. coli-expressed, 19.6 kDa, ED50 &lt;0.05 ng/mL (KMS15 myeloma cells). For antiviral, antiproliferative, and JAK-STAT interferon research. 50 µg.

Recombinant Human IFNA4, 50 µg

Recombinant Human IFNA4, 500 µg

Recombinant Human IFNA4, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNA1 (Z102395) by ABM — 19.7 kDa, E. coli, &gt;95% purity, tag-free. Type I interferon for antiviral signaling, JAK/STAT pathway, and innate immunity research.

Recombinant Human IFNA1 (IFN-alpha1), 20 µg

Recombinant Human IFNA1 (IFN-alpha1), 100 µg

Recombinant Human IFNA1 (IFN-alpha1), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNA2

Z101585 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant human IFNA2 (Interferon Alpha-2, IFN-α2A), a 19 kDa type I interferon expressed in E. coli with >95% purity. IFNA2 signals through IFNAR1/IFNAR2 to activate JAK-STAT and ISG expression, driving antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory responses. ED50 &lt;20 ng/mL in Ovcar3 anti-proliferation assay. Lyophilized from PBS pH 7.0; reconstitute in distilled water. Available from MBP for antiviral, innate immunity, and cancer research.

Recombinant Human IFNA2, 100 µg

Recombinant Human IFNA2, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNA2, 2.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNB1

Recombinant Human IFNB1 (IFN-beta), Z101485 by ABM. Expressed in CHO cells (glycosylated); 19 kDa; &gt;95% purity. Specific activity 3.0×10⁸ IU/mg (WISH cell viral resistance assay). Lyophilized in sodium acetate pH 4.8. For antiviral and innate immunity research.

Recombinant Human IFNB1, 20 µg

Recombinant Human IFNB1, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNG

Z100345 by ABM — recombinant human IFN-γ (IFNG), 17 kDa, tag-free, &gt;95% pure, ED50 ≤0.5 ng/mL. Reconstitute in 20 mM acetic acid (not distilled water). Available in 100 µg and 1.0 mg.

Recombinant Human IFNG, 100 µg

Recombinant Human IFNG, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IFNG (Z101175) by ABM — CHO-expressed, 17 kDa, ED50 ≤1.0 ng/mL, specific activity ≥1.0×10⁶ units/mg. Validated for antiviral assays, macrophage activation, and Th1 immunology research. 200 µg.

Quantity

Recombinant Human IGF1

Z100385 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human IGF1 (Somatomedin C) — 7.7 kDa globular protein, tag-free, 3 disulfide bonds, E. coli expression, &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, lyophilized from sodium phosphate/NaCl pH 6.5, 100 µg/unit. ED50 ≤20 ng/mL on MCF-7 cells. Research use only.

Recombinant Human IGF1, 100 µg

Recombinant Human IGF1, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human IGF2

Z102345 by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free recombinant human IGF-2 protein expressed in E. coli, with greater than 95% purity by SDS-PAGE, a molecular weight of 7.8 kDa, and ED50 below 1 ng/mL on MCF7 cells. Supplied as lyophilized powder for cell proliferation, cancer biology, and metabolic signaling research.