What Is RPMI 1640? Uses, Composition, and Cell Types

RPMI 1640 is one of the most widely used cell culture media, especially for cells grown in suspension. Developed at Roswell Park Memorial Institute, it was designed originally for human leukemic cells and lymphocytes, and it remains the go-to medium for immune cells and many blood-derived lines. This guide explains what RPMI 1640 is, what is in it, which cells it suits, and how it compares with DMEM.

Key Facts

Type: Basal medium (Roswell Park)
Best for: Suspension cells, lymphocytes, hybridomas
Distinctive: Biotin, vitamin B12, PABA, glutathione
Buffering: Bicarbonate (use a CO2 incubator)

What is RPMI 1640?

RPMI 1640 (Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640) is a chemically balanced basal medium created for the culture of human lymphocytes and leukemic cells. The “1640” refers to the specific formulation number. Like other basal media, it supplies salts, amino acids, vitamins, and glucose, and it must be completed with serum (commonly 10% FBS) and L-glutamine before use.

What is in RPMI 1640?

RPMI 1640 has a distinctive formulation:

A broad set of amino acids, more than many other media
A rich vitamin profile that includes biotin, vitamin B12, and PABA, which are uncommon in other basal media
Glucose at a moderate level (about 2 g/L)
The reducing agent glutathione and a relatively high phosphate content
A bicarbonate buffer, so RPMI 1640 needs a CO2 incubator (usually 5% CO2), plus phenol red as a pH indicator

It contains no proteins, lipids, or growth factors on its own, which is why serum supplementation is standard.

What is RPMI 1640 used for?

RPMI 1640 is the default medium for many suspension and blood-derived cells, including:

Lymphocytes and other immune cells, such as T cells and B cells
Leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, including widely used lines like Jurkat
Hybridomas used in antibody production
A range of other suspension cultures, and some adherent cells as well

RPMI 1640 vs. DMEM

The simplest way to think about it: RPMI 1640 was built for suspension and lymphoid cells, while DMEM is the workhorse for adherent cells. RPMI has a lower, more moderate glucose level and a different amino acid and vitamin profile, whereas high-glucose DMEM is richer and suits dense, fast-growing adherent cultures. Neither is universally better; the choice comes down to your cells. For a full comparison, see our guide on DMEM vs RPMI 1640, or read more about DMEM.

How to supplement and use RPMI 1640

Before use, RPMI 1640 is typically completed with serum (commonly 10% FBS) and L-glutamine or a stable glutamine dipeptide, since glutamine degrades over time. Because it uses a bicarbonate buffer, keep it in a CO2 incubator to hold the correct pH, or choose a HEPES-buffered version for brief work outside the incubator. Store it refrigerated and protected from light, warm it gently before use, and keep the same lot across an experiment for consistency.

Order from PurMa Biologics

RPMI 1640 is available with or without L-glutamine, HEPES, and phenol red, so you can match it to your protocol. PurMa Biologics manufactures RPMI 1640 in the USA, in standard, MAX, and chemically defined formulations, each with a Certificate of Analysis. See our RPMI 1640 or browse the full range of cell culture media. Questions or need a quote? Contact our team.