RPMI 1640 Medium was originally developed to culture human leukemic cells in suspension and as a monolayer. Since, it has been found suitable for a variety of mammalian cells, including HeLa, Jurkat, MCF-7, PC12, PBMC, astrocytes, and carcinomas. RPMI has successfully been used for the cultivation of normal human and neoplastic leukocytes.
- A Dutch Modification of RPMI 1640 is also available through MP
- Contains the reducing agent glutathione and high concentrations of vitamins
- Used for the cultivation of normal human and neoplastic leukocytes
- Popular general purpose medium when properly supplemented
- Uses a sodium bicarbonate buffer system (2.0 g/l)
- Requires a 5 - 10% CO2 environment to maintain physiological pH
RPMI 1640 Medium was originally developed by Moore and his colleagues at Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI). It was based on the RPMI 1630 line of media which utilized a bicarbonate buffering system and alterations in the amounts of amino acids and vitamins. The Dutch Modification contains 6400 mg/l sodium chloride instead of 6000 mg/l; contains 1000 mg/l sodium bicarbonate instead of 2000 mg/l; and contains 20 mM HEPES.
RPMI 1640 Medium contains biotin, vitamin B12, and PABA, which are not found in Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium or Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium. In addition, the vitamins inositol and choline are present in very high concentrations. RPMI 1640 Medium contains no proteins, lipids, or growth factors. Therefore, RPMI 1640 Medium requires supplementation, commonly with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS).
