RPMI 1640

[1] RPMI 1640 was developed by George E. Moore, Robert E. Gerner, and H. Addison Franklin in 1966 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (formerly known as Roswell Park Memorial Institute), from where it derives its name.

Over the years, the original formulation was modified and refined by researchers and commercial suppliers to enhance its ability to support the growth of many cell types.

This medium contains a great deal of phosphate, amino acids and vitamins.

RPMI 1640 uses a bicarbonate buffering system and requires a 5–10% CO2 atmosphere to maintain physiological pH.

Normally, the medium contains no proteins or growth factors, so it is commonly supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum.