PhytoChol® BioPharma synthetic cholesterol for cell culture applications
Supplementing a cell culture medium with cholesterol can improve cell proliferation or even be essential for cell lines which are unable to synthesize the lipid. Chemically defined cell culture media that do not contain fetal bovine serum (FBS) and natural lipids often require the addition of cholesterol to support cell growth and enhance outcomes in the production of proteins, viral vectors and vaccines.
To reduce concerns related to variation in composition and purity, Evonik recognizes the need to provide animal-origin-free solutions instead of cholesterol conventionally sourced from ovine wool. PhytoChol® BioPharma is a non-animal-derived cholesterol that has been especially developed for use in cell culture media. It is suitable for use in a wide range of cell lines, including NS0 cells, insect cells and Vero cells. MSCs can also benefit from exogenous cholesterol supplementation.
Evonik also provides application guidelines and recommendations on cholesterol formulations to increase solubility in the cell culture medium. Before addition to the cell culture medium the powder can, for example, be dissolved in ethanol and formulated with other lipids and surfactants depending on intended use.
White paper: Boosting biomanufacturing with optimized cell culture media - Comparing animal-derived cholesterol with synthetic PhytoChol® BioPharma
Cholesterol is a key ingredient in biopharma cell culture media. Supplementing media with cholesterol helps improve cell growth and enhance outcomes when producing therapeutic proteins, viral vectors and vaccines. Conventional cholesterol sourced from ovine wool raises concerns regarding variation in composition and purity.
In this white paper, we outline two studies that compare conventional animal-derived cholesterol with Evonik’s synthetic cholesterol PhytoChol® BioPharma. Our studies show that PhytoChol® Biopharma formulated with cyclodextrin or with fatty acids and surfactants performs similarly to an animal-derived cholesterol in NS0 and MSC cultures, respectively.
PhytoChol® Biopharma at a glance
From drug delivery to cell culture, our system solution PhytoChol® provides you with the following advantages:
- Completely non-animal derived
- Secure and stable supply
- Large-scale manufacturing
- High-purity, consistent quality
- Western-based manufacturing
Also meet us these shows & events
ANY QUESTIONS? JUST CONTACT US.
"If you are looking for ways to more efficient bioprocessing and improved performance, our innovative cell culture solutions will be of great value to you. Contact us to find out how we can support and meet your needs."
Dr. Kristina Klinker
Business Development Manager
