HEK-293 Medium

Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK)-293 cells are frequently used for the production of recombinant adenoviruses, in the development of viral vaccines and in the production of chemotherapeutics. Our HEK-293 media are particularly rich, serum-free media optimized for the adherent cultivation of HEK-293 cells (HEK-293 medium A) as well as for suspension cultures (HEK-293 medium S).

HEK-293 Medium A:
Our HEK-293 Medium A is a serum-free, ready-to-use medium optimized for the cultivation of adherently growing HEK-293 cells. The medium is based on DMEM and has been specially enriched with L-glutamine, cholesterol, albumin, vitamins, hormones, growth factors and additional trace elements (total content of proteins and animal components < 0.2 % w/v). Our HEK-293 Medium A is optimized for serum-free cultivation of adherent HEK-293 cells and supports rapid cell attachment, high growth rates and high batch-to-batch reproducibility.

HEK-293 Medium S:
Our HEK-293 Medium S is a serum-free, ready-to-use medium specifically for the cultivation of HEK-293 cells in suspension. The medium is based on DMEM/F12 and has been supplemented with L-glutamine, hydrolysates (< 0.02 % w/v) and additional trace elements (total content of proteins and animal components < 0.002 % w/v). Our HEK-293 Medium S is optimized for serum-free cultivation of HEK-293 cells in suspension and helps to keep the cells in suspension and guarantees high growth rates as well as high batch-to-batch reproducibility.

Adaptation of HEK-293 cells

A change from serum-containing medium to our HEK-29 media is often possible without any special adaptation. For cell clones that do not tolerate a simple transfer to HEK medium serum-free, we recommend cultivating the cells in HEK medium serum-free with the addition of serum and gradually reducing the serum content. This procedure is supported by higher cell densities during seeding.

For a successful transfer of the cells into a serum-free culture, the vitality state plays a decisive role. The cells must therefore be removed during the logarithmic growth phase. In our experience, cultivation from the logarithmic phase has a significantly higher chance of success.

When transferring the cells, it must be ensured that after any detachment of the cells with trypsin, the enzyme is removed by complete washing out or inhibited by a trypsin inhibitor, as the neutralization effect present in the serum no longer applies.