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<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

Flyer

Brochure

Role of Growth Factors in Cell Differentiation-Poster

Recombinant Human BMP2

Z100085 by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is recombinant human BMP2 expressed in E. coli. Supplied lyophilized at >95% purity by SDS-PAGE; ED50 <50 ng/mL in C2C12 alkaline phosphatase assay; endotoxin <1.0 EU/µg. Molecular weight 26 kDa. Available in 10 µg, 50 µg, and 1.0 mg sizes.

Organism

Family

Aliases

Gene Symbol

Gene ID

Accession Number

Source

Species

Appearance

Molecular Weight (kDa)

Endotoxin Level

Purity

Formulation

Function

Reconstitution

Storage

Usage

Manufacturer

Shipping Condition

Storage Condition

Recombinant Human BMP2, 10 µg

Recombinant Human BMP2, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human BMP4

Recombinant Human BMP4 (Z100105) by ABM is a 13 kDa, E. coli-expressed BMP4 protein with &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, ED50 0.1–0.2 µg/mL (ATDC5 alkaline phosphatase), and &lt;1.0 EU/µg endotoxin. Used in stem cell differentiation, osteogenesis, and BMP-pathway research. Available in multiple sizes from MBP Inc.

Unit Quantity

Molecular Weigh

Recombinant Human BMP4, 10 µg

Recombinant Human BMP4, 1.0 mg

Growth Factor-eFlyer

Growth Factors and Cytokines-Brochure

Growth Factors and Cytokines-FAQ

Recombinant Human BMP7

Z100115 by ABM — recombinant human BMP7 (OP-1), tag-free, E. coli-expressed, 17 kDa, &gt;95% pure, lyophilized in 10 mM sodium citrate pH 3.5. Reconstitute in 20 mM acetic acid. For osteogenesis and TGF-beta research.

Molecular Weight

Recombinant Human BMP7, 10 µg

Recombinant Human BMP7, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 1  (DEFB1)

Z100025 by ABM — recombinant human Beta-Defensin 1 (DEFB1, UniProt P60022); 4.2 kDa, 36 aa, E. coli expressed; &gt;95% purity; &lt;1.0 EU/µg endotoxin; 20 µg / 100 µg / 1.0 mg pack sizes.

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 1  (DEFB1), 20 µg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 1 (DEFB1), 100 µg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 1 (DEFB1), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 2  (DEFB4A)

Z100035 by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is recombinant human Beta-Defensin 2 (DEFB4A) expressed in E. coli. Molecular weight 4.6 kDa; purity >95% by SDS-PAGE; endotoxin <1.0 EU/µg. Lyophilized from PBS pH 8. Available in 20 µg (Z100035), 100 µg (Z100037), and 1.0 mg (Z100039) sizes.

Functions

Accession

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 2  (DEFB4A), 20 µg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 2 (DEFB4A), 100 µg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 2 (DEFB4A), 1.0 mg

Growth Factors, Cytokines & Kinases-MSDS

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 3 (DEFB103A)

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 3 DEFB103A (Z100045) by ABM is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed lyophilized protein, 5.4 kDa, >95% pure, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg, with antimicrobial activity &lt;3.0 µg/mL against E. coli ATCC 25922.

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 3 (DEFB103A), 20 µg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 3 (DEFB103A), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 4 (DEFB104A), 1.0 mg

Z100059 by ABM is a 1.0 mg preparation of Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 4 (DEFB104A, UniProt Q8WTQ1), expressed in E. coli. For antimicrobial peptide research, innate immunity studies, and structural biology. Research use only.

Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 4 (DEFB104A), 20 µg

Z100055 by ABM — recombinant human Beta-Defensin 4 (DEFB104A), 6 kDa, tag-free, E. coli-expressed, &gt;95% pure, lyophilized in PBS/NaCl pH 7.4, 20 µg. For innate immunity and dendritic cell research.

Recombinant Human Beta-NGF

Z101545 by Applied Biological Materials is recombinant human Beta-NGF (Nerve Growth Factor Beta), a 27 kDa neurotrophin expressed in CHO cells with >95% purity. Beta-NGF promotes neuronal survival, axon growth, and synaptic plasticity via TrkA (NTRK1) and p75NTR. ED50 approximately 0.5 ng/mL in TF-1 cell proliferation. Lyophilized from 20 mM sodium acetate/150 mM NaCl pH 5.5; reconstitute in distilled water. Available from MBP for neuroscience, pain, and TrkA signaling research.

Quantity

Z102165 by Applied Biological Materials — recombinant human Beta-NGF (NGFB/HSAN5), E. coli, 14 kDa, tag-free, &gt;95% purity. For neurotrophin signaling, TrkA activation, and neuronal differentiation research.

Recombinant Human Beta-NGF, 20 µg

Recombinant Human Beta-NGF, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human CCL2

Z100625 by ABM — Recombinant Human CCL2 (MCP-1), 9 kDa, tag-free, expressed in E. coli. Purity &gt;95% by SDS-PAGE, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg, ED50 &lt;0.2 ng/mL. Available in 20 µg, 100 µg, and 1.0 mg formats.

Recombinant Human CCL2, 20 µg

Recombinant Human CCL2, 100 µg

Recombinant Human CCL2, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human CCL21

Recombinant Human CCL21 (Z100195) by ABM is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed lyophilized chemokine, 12 kDa, >95% pure, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/µg, with CCR7-mediated lymphocyte chemoattraction at 10–100 ng/mL.