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Support cell line performance with Gibco CHO media
Process scientists working with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines aim to balance productivity, quality, and scalability across evolving culture systems. Variations in media formulation and supply consistency can introduce risks during development and scale-up. Gibco CHO media integrate with upstream bioprocessing workflows to support steady cell growth and protein expression from clone selection through manufacturing. Chemically defined animal origin-free (AOF) formulations are produced under cGMP-compliant conditions to promote reproducible performance and continuity across scales.
Benefits of CHO media
CHO media are formulated to meet the needs of CHO-based recombinant protein workflows from process development to commercial production. Each medium supports flexibility across CHO-K1, DG44, and CHO-S cell lines and integrates easily into batch, fed-batch, or perfusion systems.
Some benefits include:
- Chemically defined AOF composition for reduced contamination risk
- cGMP manufacturing and quality testing for regulatory alignment
- Lot-to-lot consistency across CHO clones and production scales
- Compatibility with batch, fed-batch, and perfusion workflows
- Reliable cell growth and protein expression across applications
Together, these characteristics help process scientists strengthen workflow continuity and scalability across CHO-based production systems.
Empower optimized growth and yield across cell lines
CHO cell lines vary in their nutrient demands and production behaviors, requiring media and feed strategies that support each system’s specific characteristics. Gibco CHO media and feeds are formulated to maintain consistent growth and protein expression across CHO-K1, DG44, and CHO-S lines. Researchers can select from AOF options that align with batch, fed-batch, or perfusion workflows. The table below outlines formulations commonly applied in upstream development and large-scale manufacturing.
CHO cell type |
Gibco media option |
Matched feed option |
Does the medium contain a growth factor? |
Is adaptation necessary? |
Insulin-dependent CHO cell lines |
Gibco Efficient-Pro Medium (+ Insulin) |
Gibco Efficient-Pro Feed 1, 2, or 3 |
Yes |
No |
CHO-S |
Gibco Efficient-Pro Medium |
Gibco Efficient-Pro Feed 2 |
No |
Yes |
CHO-S |
Gibco CHO Medium |
Gibco Difco TC Yeastolate UF |
Yes |
Yes |
CHO-S |
Gibco Dynamis Medium |
Gibco EfficientFeed C+ |
No |
Yes |
ExpiCHO-S |
Gibco ExpiCHO SPM w/gf add back |
EfficientFeed C+ |
Yes |
Yes |
ExpiCHO-S |
ExpiCHO SPM |
EfficientFeed C+ |
No |
No |
DG44 / DXB11 |
Efficient-Pro Medium |
Efficient-Pro Feed 2 |
No |
Yes |
DG44 / DXB11 |
CHO Medium |
Gibco OneFeed Supplement |
Yes |
Yes |
DG44 / DXB11 |
Dynamis or Gibco CD OptiCHO Medium |
EfficientFeed C+ or Gibco EfficientFeed A+ |
No |
No |
CHO-K1 |
Efficient-Pro Medium |
Gibco Efficient-Pro Feed 1 |
No |
Yes |
CHO-K1 |
Dynamis Medium |
EfficientFeed C+ |
No |
Yes |
GS CHO |
Gibco CD-1000 Medium |
Gibco Resurge CD5 Supplement |
Yes |
Yes |
GS CHO |
Dynamis or Gibco CD CHO Medium |
EfficientFeed C+ or Gibco EfficientFeed B+ |
No |
Yes |
Other CHO |
CHO Medium |
Difco TC Yeastolate UF |
Yes |
Yes |
Other CHO |
Dynamis or CD CHO Medium |
EfficientFeed B+ or EfficientFeed C+ |
No |
Yes |
Support efficient cell culture with CHO media
As CHO processes evolve from development to production, scientists require reliable media systems that maintain culture stability while supporting process flexibility. CHO media are applicable across cell line platforms to help sustain cell health, manage nutrient balance, and achieve consistent protein expression in suspension culture.
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Related resources
Explore other media for consistent cell growth
For applications beyond CHO-based production, Gibco cell culture media are designed for reproducible performance across multiple cell systems. Available in liquid, powder, and AGT formats, these media support consistent results from process development through manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
In bioprocessing, CHO media serve as the culture environment for Chinese hamster ovary cells used in recombinant protein and antibody production. The media facilitate nutrients that sustain cell metabolism and productivity during both expansion and production phases. By supporting consistent growth and protein expression, CHO media contribute to predictable performance across development and manufacturing workflows.
CHO media are formulated to allow controlled, reproducible conditions for cell culture. Media are produced under cGMP-compliant standards to maintain quality and lot-to-lot consistency. Available in liquid, dry powder, and AGT formats, these media fit diverse process scales and culture systems used in upstream development.
CHO cells are widely used in bioprocessing because they combine scalability with human-like protein processing. Their ability to perform complex post-translational modifications allows the production of recombinant proteins and antibodies with appropriate structure and function. CHO cells adapt well to suspension culture and tolerate variable process conditions.
The choice of Gibco CHO medium depends on the CHO lineage, productivity target, and process mode. For fed-batch systems, Dynamis and Efficient-Pro media are often selected for their compatibility with established feed strategies and predictable growth profiles. Perfusion processes frequently use HIP CHO Medium, which supports stable cell density during extended culture runs. Gibco CHO media are chemically defined and animal origin-free to promote consistency across scales.
Assessment of media and feed combinations typically involves side-by-side studies that track cell density, viability, titer, and quality attributes under defined conditions. Comparing these results across feed ratios or formulations helps identify where adjustments could improve process consistency. Thermo Fisher Scientific supports this work through media and feed panel evaluation services to assist teams in selecting and refining culture systems suited to their workflow goals.
Additional bioprocessing resources
Bioprocessing resources
For research use or further manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration into humans or animals.