Animal-Free™ Recombinant Proteins

R&D Systems has produced high quality proteins for the research community for more than 25 years. To support developing research and bioproduction demands, we offer products manufactured in a laboratory exclusively dedicated to the production and purification of recombinant proteins under animal-free conditions. Animal-free proteins are particularly important for researchers concerned with experimental variables caused by trace animal components or mammalian pathogens. Our products generated under animal-free conditions share the same biological activities as those produced using our standard laboratory techniques. To meet additional research needs, we also offer Animal Component-Free Process (ACFP) recombinant proteins that are expressed in an animal-free certified Sf 9 insect cell line using dedicated animal-free raw materials and labware.

Animal-Free Manufacturing Conditions

The animal-free facility uses dedicated equipment.

Our dedicated controlled-access animal-free laboratories ensure that at no point in production are the products exposed to potential contamination by animal components or byproducts. Every stage of manufacturing is conducted in compliance with R&D Systems' stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Production and purification procedures use equipment and media that are confirmed animal-free.

Production

• All molecular biology procedures use animal-free media and dedicated labware.
• Dedicated fermentors are utilized in committed animal-free areas.

Purification

• Protein purification columns are animal-free.
• Bulk proteins are filtered using animal-free filters.
• Purified proteins are stored in animal-free containers in a dedicated cold storage room.

Quality Assurance

• Endotoxin Level: < 1.0 EU per 1 µg of product.
• No impairment of biological activity.
• High quality product obtained under stringent conditions.
• For ex vivo research or bioproduction, additional documentation can be provided.

Please read our complete Animal-Free Statement

Bioactivity of Animal-Free Recombinant Proteins

Bioactivity of Animal-Free Derived IL-1 beta. T helper mouse D10.G4.1 cell proliferation was studied following treatment with the indicated concentrations of animal-free recombinant mouse IL-1 beta (Catalog # AFL401; red line) or recombinant mouse IL-1 beta produced in a typical animal environment (Catalog # 401-ML; brown line). Cell number was assessed by a fluorometric assay using the redox sensitive dye, Resazurin (Catalog # AR002). This data confirms the high bioactivity of our animal-free product and demonstrates that it is comparable to the same molecule produced under typical conditions.

Animal Component-Free Process (ACFP) Manufacturing Conditions

R&D Systems Animal Component-Free Process (ACFP) recombinant proteins are expressed in an animal-free certified Sf 9 insect cell line using dedicated animal-free raw materials and labware. Production and purification procedures use equipment and media that are confirmed animal-free but performed outside our dedicated animal-free laboratories. Every stage of the manufacturing process follows R&D Systems' stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The certified Sf 9 insect cell bank has undergone extensive testing to certify the lack of cytopathogens by screening for various viruses, Mycoplasma, and Spiroplasmas using both in vitro and in vivo testing methods. For ex vivo research or bioproduction, additional documentation can be provided.

Please read our complete ACFP Statement