RPMI 1640 medium was originally developed for suspension culture of human leukemia cell monolayers. Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 Medium has been found to be suitable for a variety of mammalian cells, including HeLa cells, Jurkat cells, MCF-7 cells, PC12 cells, PBMC cells, astrocytes, and cancer cells. For a wide range of cell culture applications, we offer RPMI 1640 modified media in a variety of components. Use Medium Selection Tool Find the right recipe.


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Use of RPMI
RPMI 1640 medium has a unique effect compared to other media because it contains the reducing agent glutathione and high concentrations of vitamins . RPMI 1640 medium contains biotin, vitamin B₁₂ and PABA, these ingredients are not available in Eagle's MEM and DMEM. In addition, the medium contains high concentrations of the vitamins inositol and choline. RPMI 1640 medium does not contain proteins, lipids, or growth factors. Therefore, RPMI 1640 medium requires additives, usually 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). RPMI 1640 medium uses a sodium bicarbonate buffer system (2.0 g/L) and therefore requires a 5–10% CO₂ environment to maintain physiological pH.

cGMP Manufacturing and Quality System
RPMI 1640 media is manufactured in a cGMP compliant facility in Grand Island, New York. The factory is an FDA-registered medical device manufacturer and is certified to the ISO 13485 standard. To ensure supply chain continuity, we also offer equivalent RPMI 1640 products (21875-158) manufactured in our Scottish factory. The latter is also a medical device manufacturer registered with the FDA and complies with the ISO 13485 standard.