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What Are Animal-Free RUO Proteins?
Animal-free RUO proteins are made in an E. coli expression system and are purified and manufactured in a dedicated animal-free area using equipment and media certified as animal-free. This manufacturing process ensures that these proteins are never exposed to potential contamination by animal components or byproducts, which is particularly important for researchers concerned with experimental variables caused by the presence of trace animal components or mammalian pathogens.
When Should Researchers Use Animal-Free RUO Proteins?
Animal-Free RUO proteins are highly recommended for:
- Researchers who need defined, reproducible culture conditions and are particularly concerned about experimental variables caused by the presence of trace animal components or mammalian pathogens
- Researchers who are concerned about animal-derived reagents due to regulatory or ethical issues
- Preclinical researchers whose work has the potential of progressing into clinical trials or clinical manufacturing
- Our Animal-free RUO proteins originate from the same clone, sequence, and expression system as our Animal-free GMP-grade proteins and they are manufactured using the same methods, providing for a seamless transition from preclinical research into clinical manufacturing.
* Liquid formulations for GMP and animal-free preclinical grades of these cytokines are now available. Request further information.
** DMF have been filed for these GMP Proteins.
Advantages of Using R&D Systems Animal-Free Proteins
- Seamless transition from preclinical research to clinical manufacturing: R&D Systems™ Animal-free RUO proteins originate from the same clone, sequence, and expression system as our Animal-free GMP-grade proteins, allowing for a seamless transition from preclinical research into clinical manufacturing.
- Equivalent Bioactivity: Our proteins generated under animal-free conditions are rigorously tested to ensure that they retain the same biological activities as the corresponding research-grade and Animal-free GMP-grade proteins.
- High Purity and Low Endotoxin Levels: Our proteins are typically over 95% pure and have a guaranteed industry-leading endotoxin level of <0.1 EU/ug by the LAL method.
- High Lot-to-Lot Consistency: Each new lot is tested side-by-side with previous lots and with a master lot to ensure high lot-to-lot consistency.
- Improved Cell Culture Consistency: Animal-free RUO proteins eliminate variability caused by trace animal components.
- Improved Cell Product Safety Profile: Animal-free RUO proteins eliminate the risk of contamination by mammalian pathogens.
- Supply Chain Reliability: Our team has the experience and the capacity to ensure that we can provide you with a stable supply of the proteins you need for your research.
- Bulk Proteins at Discounted Prices: We have the capacity and the expertise to scale up the production of any protein and we offer economical pricing on bulk orders.
- Custom Protein Capabilities: For specialized protein requests, you can always contact our Custom Protein Services team. We have the expertise and the systems necessary to develop the proteins required to advance your research.
- Comprehensive Portfolio of Reagents for Your Entire Workflow: Along with our proteins, Bio-Techne also offers a wide range of other products for immune cell, stem cell, and organoid culture and characterization, including Cultrex™ Basement Membrane Extracts, media, media supplements, antibodies, immunoassays, Tocris™ small molecules, RNAscope™ ISH assays, and analytical instruments to automate different steps of your workflow.
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R&D Systems Animal-Free RUO Proteins Display High Levels of Activity and Lot-to-Lot Consistency
Analysis of the Lot-to-Lot Consistency of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-15. Two independent lots of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-15 (R&D Systems, Catalog # BT-015-AFL) were tested for their ability to stimulate proliferation of the MO7e human megakaryocytic leukemic T cell line. The ED50 for this effect is 0.3-2.6 ng/mL. Each trace on the graph represents data obtained from Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-15 from a different manufacturing run, demonstrating the lot-to-lot consistency of the protein.
Analysis of the Lot-to-Lot Consistency of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-2. Two independent lots of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-2 (Catalog # BT-002-AFL) were tested for their ability to stimulate proliferation of the CTLL-2 mouse cytotoxic T cell line. The ED50 for this effect is 0.03-0.25 ng/mL. Each trace on the graph represents data obtained from Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-2 from a different manufacturing run, demonstrating the lot-to-lot consistency of the protein.
Analysis of the Lot-to-Lot Consistency of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human Betacellulin. Two independent lots of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human Betacellulin (Catalog # BT-BTC-AFL) were tested for their ability to stimulate proliferation of Balb/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. The ED50 for this effect is 0.1-1.5 ng/mL. Each trace on the graph represents data obtained from Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human Betacellulin from a different manufacturing run, demonstrating the lot-to-lot consistency of the protein.
R&D Systems Animal-Free RUO Proteins and the Corresponding Animal-Free GMP-Grade Proteins Are Tested to Ensure that they Display Similar Levels of Bioactivity
Animal-Free RUO and GMP-Grade Recombinant Human IL-2 Display Equivalent Bioactivity. The bioactivities of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-2 (Catalog # BT-002-AFL; orange line) and Animal-Free GMP-grade Recombinant Human IL-2 (Catalog # BT-002-GMP; green line) were compared by testing the ability of the proteins to stimulate proliferation of the CTLL-2 mouse cytotoxic T cell line.
Animal-Free RUO and GMP-Grade Recombinant Human IL-15 Display Equivalent Bioactivity. The bioactivities of Animal-Free RUO Recombinant Human IL-15 (Catalog # BT-015-AFL; orange line) and Animal-Free GMP-grade Recombinant Human IL-15 (Catalog # BT-015-GMP; green line) were compared by testing the ability of the proteins to stimulate proliferation of the MO7e human megakaryocytic leukemic cell line.
Protein Characterization Using SEC-MALS Analysis
Animal-Free™ Recombinant Human IFN‑ gamma Protein SEC-MALS. Recombinant Human IFN-gamma (Catalog # AFL285) has a molecular weight (MW) of 34.1 kDa as analyzed by SEC-MALS, suggesting that this protein is a homodimer. MW may differ from predicted MW due to post-translational modifications (PTMs) present (i.e. Glycosylation).
| SEC-MALS Data | Result |
| Retention Time | 18.3-18.9 min |
| MW-Predicted (Monomer) | 16.9 kDa |
| MW-MALS | 34.1 kDa |
| Polydispersity | 1.002 |
| System Suitability: BSA Monomer 66.4 ± 3.32 kDa | Pass |
SEC-MALS for Protein Characterization
Discover how Bio-Techne prioritizes your success with cutting-edge techniques like SEC-MALS for protein characterization. Utilizing SEC-MALS analysis, Bio-Techne delivers you rigorous, consistent, and quality recombinant proteins.
Serum-Free and Animal-Free Cell Culture Media
The elimination of serum and animal components in culture media is an important step towards a defined cell culture process and will also improve the safety profile of your cell product and simplify regulatory pathways. We offer serum-free, animal component-free media and media supplements to enhance the consistency of your cultures.
GMP-grade Recombinant Proteins
R&D Systems expertise in protein development and manufacturing, combined with our stringent quality control and experienced regulatory support, allow us to offer industry-leading GMP-grade proteins. These proteins originate from the same clone, sequence, and expression system as our Animal-free RUO proteins to ensure a seamless transition for researchers moving into clinical manufacturing.
GMP Small Molecules
GMP small molecules are important in the manufacture of stem cell therapies for translational research and clinical applications. Our GMP small molecules are manufactured following ICH Q7 guidelines, which ensures batch-to-batch consistency, traceability from starting material to final product, and animal-free production.
Cell Culture Reagents
Browse our complete collection of products for cell culture. We offer a comprehensive range of reagents to promote robust cell growth, including media and supplements, FBS, basement membrane extracts, and custom cell culture services.
Additional Products for Related Research Areas
Stem Cell Research
Minimize variability in your stem cell experiments and ensure high performance by using our stem cell culture reagents. From isolation and culture to verification, reprogramming, differentiation, and characterization, we have the products that you need for your stem cell research.
Organoid and 3-D Cell Culture
Optimize your organoid culture conditions by using our complete range of products designed to support robust, reproducible organoid expansion. We provide basement membrane extracts, growth factors, small molecules, media, and media supplements, along with antibodies and RNAscope™ in situ hybridization assays for identifying lineage-specific markers.
Immune Cell Therapy
Learn about the pioneering solutions that we offer to support researchers in the field of immune cell therapy. Our portfolio includes products for cell separation, expansion, and characterization, along with custom products and services. From ancillary materials to automated analytical tools, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enable cell therapies to reach more patients.
New! ExCellerate GMP iPSC Expansion Medium
For seamless transition from our equivalent RUO iPSC Expansion Medium. Both media support robust expansion and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell culture for enhanced consistency and reproducibility.
- Completely animal-free
- All-in-one formulation
- Stable cell integrity over long-term culture
Serum-free media: Ask the Experts
Read this Ask the Experts feature to learn about:
- The challenges and benefits of serum-free media and animal-free reagents for cell and gene therapy
- How manufacturers optimize their manufacturing processes when moving to serum-free and animal-free reagents
- How serum-free and animal-free reagents may evolve and impact future production of therapeutics
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal-Free RUO Proteins
R&D Systems research-grade proteins are made in a variety of expression systems under standard laboratory conditions. In contrast, our Animal-Free RUO proteins are made exclusively in E. coli and are produced in dedicated, controlled-access, animal-free laboratories using animal-free-certified media and equipment. This ensures that our Animal-Free RUO proteins are not exposed to potential contamination by animal components or byproducts at any point during the production process. Animal-Free RUO proteins are highly recommended for:
- Researchers who need defined, reproducible culture conditions and are particularly concerned about experimental variables caused by the presence of trace animal components or mammalian pathogens
- Preclinical researchers whose work has the potential of progressing into clinical trials or clinical manufacturing
- Researchers who are concerned about animal-derived products due to regulatory or ethical issues
R&D Systems Animal-free RUO proteins originate from the same clone, sequence, and expression system as our Animal-free GMP-grade proteins, and they are manufactured using the same methods. The major difference between the two protein grades is the robust documentation associated with our Animal-free GMP-grade proteins. This includes extensive documentation for traceability, as well as additional quality control testing and quality assurance reviews on all GMP batch and bottling records before release.
If clinical applications are the goal, it is suggested that the switch to GMP-grade proteins be made as early as possible. Even during preclinical stages, researchers should consider switching to GMP-grade proteins as it is far easier to do equivalency testing early in product development than it is in later stages when changes can be costly and time-consuming.
If you can’t find the Animal-Free RUO protein that you need on our website, contact us. Our Custom Protein Services team and in-house development teams will work with you to create the protein that fits your experimental needs.
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Read this whitepaper to learn about some of the impressive developments made in organ-on-a-chip technology, and how biotechnology innovators and academic researchers can collaborate to overcome barriers and propel the field forward.
Animal-Free RUO Protein Sample Request
For a limited time, Bio-Techne is offering free samples of R&D Systems™ Animal-Free RUO proteins. Please fill out the form below, specifying which Animal-Free RUO protein you are interested in testing, and a Team Member will reach out to confirm shipping and send you a sample of the designated protein while supplies last. Interested in sampling more than one Animal-Free RUO protein? Let us know in the Comments box.
Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary. This promotion is available in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The free sample is for the protein indicated at the top of this form and samples will be honored while supplies last. Limit one free sample per customer. Offer void where prohibited, licensed, or restricted by federal, state, provincial, or local lows or regulation or agency/institutional policy. Other restrictions may apply.
