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PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM)
PurMa Biologics introduces a next-generation DMEM-based medium that is fully chemically defined, serum-free, and free of any animal-derived components. PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) designed for demanding research and bioprocessing applications, this advanced formulation supports robust cell growth, viability, and productivity while eliminating lot-to-lot variability associated with FBS. Optimized for a wide range of mammalian cell lines, it provides consistent performance in both small-scale experiments and scalable production workflows. With a transparent of PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM), fully disclosed formulation and strict manufacturing controls, this medium delivers the reliability required for reproducible data, regulatory alignment, and streamlined technology transfer from R&D to GMP environments.
Description
PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM)
Background
Modern cell culture demands a medium that delivers consistent performance, regulatory confidence, and freedom from undefined animal components. CD-DMEM is just an example of chemically defined media manufactured by PurMa Biologics. We are proud to have been able to manufacture the highest quality of other forms of conventional media: CD-DMEM/F12, CD-RPMI-1640, CD- HamF12-K as chemically defined media examples
PurMa Biologics has developed an advanced next generation chemically defined media with the DMEM base: PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM), which is serum-free and free of any trace of animal-derived materials, including FBS and other complex supplements. PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (C-DMEM) is engineered to provide a reliable, high-performance platform for both research and bioprocessing, supporting robust growth and productivity across a broad range of mammalian cell types.
Traditional DMEM formulations often rely on fetal bovine serum to supply growth factors, hormones, and binding proteins. While effective in many laboratory settings, serum introduces significant sources of variability, batch-to-batch inconsistency, and regulatory challenges. By eliminating FBS entirely and replacing it with precisely defined components, this formulation delivers a highly controlled environment in which every ingredient is known, quantified, and consistent from lot to lot.
PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) is carefully balanced with amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, inorganic salts, and energy sources that are optimized to support cell proliferation, viability, and metabolic stability. Growth factors and other key components are provided in recombinant or synthetic forms, ensuring that no animal- or human-derived materials enter the workflow. This design makes the product particularly suitable for projects that require xeno-free conditions, downstream clinical translation, or alignment with evolving regulatory expectations for biologics manufacturing.
One of the core advantages of PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) is improved reproducibility. By removing the unpredictable variability associated with serum, researchers and process developers can more confidently compare data between experiments, laboratories, and production runs. This consistency is especially important in applications such as monoclonal antibody production, recombinant protein expression, viral vector manufacturing, and stable cell line development, where small changes in medium composition can influence yield and product quality.
PurMa Biologics manufactures PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) under stringent quality systems, with tight specifications for raw materials, in-process controls, and final product release testing. Each lot is produced with the same rigor, enabling a smooth transition from discovery studies to pilot scale and, ultimately, to large-scale production. The transparent formulation also simplifies technology transfer and documentation, reducing the need for extensive requalification studies when moving between sites or contract manufacturing partners.
In practical use, PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) is designed for ease of integration into existing workflows. It can be used as a direct replacement for serum-containing DMEM in many adherent or suspension cultures, often with minimal adaptation steps. Users benefit from cleaner downstream processing, reduced risk of adventitious agents, and simplified regulatory filing due to the absence of undefined components and animal-derived supplements.
PurMa Biologics supports this product with technical documentation, application guidance, and scientific expertise to help laboratories optimize protocols for their specific cell lines and target molecules. Whether used in early-stage research, process development, or preclinical manufacturing, this medium provides a robust, future-ready foundation for high-performance, serum-free, and animal-component–free cell culture.
Special Features
– PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) Completely serum-free and free of any animal-derived components, including FBS
-PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) is an excellent choice for stem cell cultures
– Moreover, fully chemically defined formulation with transparent, disclosed composition
– Optimized nutrient balance to support high cell viability and sustained proliferation
– PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) Suitable for both adherent and suspension mammalian cell cultures
– PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) Xeno-free design that supports translational and preclinical applications
– Tight lot-to-lot consistency for improved reproducibility and data reliability
– Compatible with monoclonal antibody, recombinant protein, and viral vector production
– Manufactured under rigorous quality systems with controlled raw materials
– PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) facilitates smoother technology transfer from R&D to large-scale manufacturing
– Reduced risk of adventitious agents and simplified regulatory documentation
FAQ
Q1. What is a chemically defined (CD) media?
A1. A CD medium is a cell culture formulation in which every component and its concentration are precisely known. It contains only pure, identified substances such as amino acids, vitamins, salts, and defined growth factors, without any complex, undefined mixtures like serum or tissue extracts. This allows for greater consistency, reproducibility, and easier optimization of culture conditions.
Q2. What makes this DMEM-based medium fully chemically defined?
A2. Every ingredient in the formulation is individually specified and quantified, and all functional components are provided in synthetic or recombinant forms. There are no serum additives or hydrolysates, so the composition is completely transparent and consistent from lot to lot.
Q3. Does this medium contain any fetal bovine serum or other animal-derived components?
A3. No. The formulation is entirely serum-free and does not include fetal bovine serum, animal-derived hydrolysates, or other components of animal origin. This supports xeno-free workflows and reduces regulatory concerns related to animal-derived materials.
Q4. For which cell types is this medium suitable?
A4. It is designed to support a broad range of mammalian cell lines used in research and bioprocessing, such as cells for antibody production, recombinant protein expression, and vector manufacturing. Some specialized or primary cells may require additional optimization or supplements.
Q5. Can this product replace serum-containing DMEM directly?
A5. In many cases it can, with minimal process changes. Certain cell lines adapt quickly, while others benefit from a stepwise transition where serum levels are gradually reduced over several passages to maintain viability and performance.
Q6. Is this medium appropriate for projects with regulatory or clinical goals?
A6. Yes. Its defined composition, absence of animal-derived materials, and controlled manufacturing process make it a strong choice for projects that need robust documentation, reduced variability, and alignment with regulatory expectations in translational and preclinical development.
Formulation:
PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) Medium includes a base formulation including L-Alanine -L Glutamine : Base Formulation of CD-DMEM_ P3C310105-1
Additionally, PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM) Medium contains a proprietary synthetic cocktail of specific growth factors, hormones, and other nutrients which make it independent of any serum and any trace of animal products.
References:
- Development of a CD Medium for in vitro Expansion of Primary Bovine Satellite Cells. Kolkmann AM. et al, 2022, 4;10:895289
- CNTF+BDNF treatment and neuroprotective pathways in the rd1 mouse retina. Azadi, S. et al, 2007, 19;1129(1):116-29
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Red, clear liquid |
| pH | 7.2 ± 0.1 |
| Osmolality | 292-335 mOsm/L |
| Endotoxin | NMT< 2EU/mL |
| Mycoplasma | Negative |
| Suitability | Suitable for mammalian cell culture |
| Additive | Sodium pyruvate |
| Indicator | Phenol red |
| Mycoplasma Detection | Negative |
| Sterility Tested | Sterile filtered using 0.1 µm, filter 3times |
| Form | Liquid |
| Shipping Condition | Room temperature, Overnight |
Learn more: What Is DMEM?
Additional information
| Condition | CD-DMEM – Standard Formulation, CD-DMEM – Without L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, CD-DMEM – Without Phenol Red, CD-DMEM – Without Sodium Bicarbonate, CD-DMEM – Without Glucose, CD-DMEM – Low Glucose (1.5 g/L), CD-DMEM – Low Sodium Bicarbonate (1.5 g/L), CD-DMEM – 15 mM HEPES (3.6 g/L), CD-DMEM – 25 mM HEPES (5.9 g/L), CD-DMEM – Without L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Without Phenol Red, CD-DMEM – Without L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Without Sodium Bicarbonate, CD-DMEM – Without L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Without Phenol Red, Without Sodium Bicarbonate, CD-DMEM – 15 mM HEPES (3.6 g/L), Low Sodium Bicarbonate (1.5 g/L), CD-DMEM – 25 mM HEPES (5.9 g/L), Low Sodium Bicarbonate (1.5 g/L), CD-DMEM – Without Phenol Red, Without Sodium Bicarbonate, CD-DMEM – Without phenol Red, 15 mM HEPES (3.6 g/L), CD-DMEM – Without phenol Red, 25 mM HEPES (5.9 g/L), CD-DMEM – Without phenol Red, Low Sodium Bicarbonate (1.5 g/L) |
|---|---|
| Size | 1X 100 ml, 1X 1000 ml, 1X 500 ml |
Documents
Certificate of Analysis (COA): Available upon request for your specific order — email info@purmabiologics.com and we will send the current lot documentation.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Available upon request — email info@purmabiologics.com.
What our customers say about PurMa Biologics
Feedback from labs we supply, across our full catalogue.
I recently had the pleasure of interacting with Dr. Seif Azadi from Purma Biologics, and I cannot thank him enough for his expertise and prompt assistance. His deep knowledge and dedication were instrumental in meeting our laboratory’s needs with remarkable efficiency. We ordered FBS, DMEM, and Trypsin from Purma Biologics, and I’m thrilled to report that all the products have performed exceptionally well. They consistently deliver reproducible results, significantly enhancing the reliability of our experiments. Thank you, Team Purma Biologics, for your good products and support!
It’s been a pleasure working with PURMA Biologics. Their service is efficient, delivery is fast, and the quality of their products has met our expectations consistently. Very smooth collaboration overall.
PurMa products are of excellent quality and highly reliable.
I've ordered cell culture media multiple times. Great prices and excellent customer service. The ordering process was smooth, and everything arrived as expected. I'll definitely be purchasing from them again.
We buy all of our cell culture media, fetal bovine sera, and lipid-depleted sera from PurMa. The quality of their reagents is absolutely top-notch, giving us reliable, repeatable results in our experiments. We highly recommend PurMa!
We have been working with PurMa biologics for the past several years, we buy cell culture related media like DMEM F12 and EMEM and Fetal Bovine Serum. We appreciate the high quality and reasonable price, and great customer service.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store PurMa™Chemically Defined (CD) (CD-DMEM)?
Store at 2 to 8 degrees C, protected from light, and do not freeze unless the label states otherwise. Freezing can precipitate salts and degrade light sensitive components such as riboflavin and folic acid. Always follow the storage line on the Certificate of Analysis for the specific lot.
What is the shelf life once opened?
Unopened and correctly stored, the typical shelf life is 12 months from manufacture. Once opened, use within about four weeks and always handle in a laminar flow hood, since the practical limit after opening is contamination risk rather than chemical stability.
Is it sterility and endotoxin tested?
Yes. Every lot is sterile filtered and tested for sterility and endotoxin, and a Certificate of Analysis is issued for each lot. The COA is available on request for any catalogue number.
Do I need to add L-glutamine?
It depends on the formulation you order. Standard formulations may contain free L-glutamine, which degrades in solution over time, while MAX formulations use a stable L-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide that does not require fresh supplementation. Check the option you have selected before adding more.
Can I order this in bulk or as a custom formulation?
Yes. Bulk volumes and custom formulations are made to order, including adjusted glucose, bicarbonate, buffering and cation content. Use the request bulk pricing button on this page and include the specification you need.







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