FAQ
Product & Technical FAQ :
Clear, Comprehensive Guidance
Product Knowledge
Peptones are water-soluble protein hydrolysates consisting of a mixture of peptides, amino acids, and other nutrients derived from the enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of proteins. They serve as a rich source of nitrogen, amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and minerals that support cell growth. Peptones are widely used in microbiological media, cell culture applications, and fermentation processes as they provide essential nutrients in a more accessible form than intact proteins.
The term « protein hydrolysate » refers to any protein that has been broken down (hydrolyzed) into smaller peptides and amino acids. « Peptone » specifically refers to a type of protein hydrolysate that is water-soluble and has undergone partial hydrolysis, resulting in a mixture predominantly containing peptides of various lengths rather than complete hydrolysis to free amino acids. In practice, peptones are a subset of protein hydrolysates that have specific characteristics making them suitable for cell culture and microbiological applications.
Yeast extract differs from peptones in both source material and composition:
Source: Yeast extract is derived from yeast cells (typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae), while peptones can be derived from various sources including animal tissues, milk proteins, plant proteins, or microbial sources.
Composition: Yeast extract contains the soluble components of yeast cells after autolysis, including amino acids, peptides, nucleotides, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and carbohydrates. Peptones are primarily composed of peptides and amino acids with fewer nucleotides and carbohydrates.
Nutritional profile: Yeast extract typically provides a broader range of growth factors, including B vitamins and nucleic acid derivatives, while peptones provide a richer source of peptides and specific amino acids.
Applications: Yeast extract is often used to enhance flavor and provide additional growth factors, while peptones primarily serve as a nitrogen source.
This decision depends on your specific application:
Choose peptone with yeast extract when:
- Your cells or microorganisms require additional growth factors, vitamins, or nucleotides
- You need to stimulate growth of fastidious organisms
- You want a more complex nutritional profile for robust growth
Choose peptone without yeast extract when:
- You need a more defined medium with fewer variables
- You’re trying to troubleshoot or optimize a process and want to control variables
- Your application requires minimal background components (e.g., for downstream purification)
- You plan to add specific supplements based on your particular needs
- Your cells are sensitive to components in yeast extract
Tryptone and casein peptone are both derived from milk proteins, but they differ in their production and characteristics:
Tryptone:
- Specifically derived from the enzymatic digestion of casein using trypsin
- Contains primarily tryptic peptides (resulting from trypsin digestion)
- Contains primarily tryptic peptides (resulting from trypsin digestion)
- Typically has higher tryptophan content
- May have more defined characteristics due to the specific enzyme used
Casein Peptone:
- Derived from casein using various proteolytic enzymes or acid hydrolysis
- Contains a broader range of peptides due to less selective hydrolysis
- May have a more diverse amino acid and peptide profile
- Used as a more general-purpose peptone
- Production process may vary more between manufacturers
Applications & Technical Solutions
Protein hydrolysates offer numerous advantages in cell culture applications:
- Enhanced cell growth: They provide readily accessible nitrogen sources and growth factors that promote cell proliferation and viability.
- Improved productivity: Cells cultivated with protein hydrolysates often show increased production of desired products like recombinant proteins, vaccines, or antibodies.
- Alternative to animal-derived supplements: They can partially or completely replace animal-derived components like fetal bovine serum (FBS), addressing ethical concerns and reducing risk of contamination.
- Nutritional complexity: They provide a rich mixture of peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support diverse metabolic needs.
- Protective effects: Some peptides in hydrolysates exhibit antioxidant and cell-protective properties, enhancing cell survival under stress conditions.
- Process simplification: Using hydrolysates can simplify downstream processing compared to complex undefined supplements.
- Regulatory advantages: Plant or microbial-derived hydrolysates can offer regulatory benefits for pharmaceutical production compared to animal-derived alternatives.
Peptones can serve as a partial alternative to Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) in many cell culture applications, though they function differently:
Peptones provide:
- A defined source of peptides and amino acids
- Reduced batch-to-batch variability compared to FBS
- Reduced batch-to-batch variability compared to FBS
- Lower risk of adventitious agents and contaminants
- Cost benefits in many applications
However, peptones lack some components found in FBS.
For complete FBS replacement, peptones are typically used as part of a supplementation strategy that might include:
- Specific recombinant growth factors,
- Defined lipid mixtures,
- Additional nutrients and vitamins
- Attachment factors when needed
Many cell lines can be adapted to serum-free formulations containing peptones, though adaptation periods and optimization may be required for optimal performance.
Both chemically defined media and peptone-supplemented media have distinct advantages for different applications:
Chemically Defined Media:
Contains only chemically defined compounds (amino acids, vitamins, salts, etc.)
Offers maximum consistency and reproducibility
Facilitates regulatory approval for therapeutic production
Simplifies downstream processing and product purification
Provides complete control over every component
Reduces risk of introducing contaminants
Usually more expensive and may require more optimization
Peptone-Supplemented Media:
Contains complex mixtures of peptides and nutrients
Often provides superior growth and productivity for many cell types
Generally more cost-effective than fully defined media
Supplies a diverse range of peptides that may enhance cell function
Requires less optimization for initial cell growth
May introduce some batch-to-batch variability
Can complicate downstream processing in some applications
For research and initial development: peptone-supplemented media often provide excellent results with less optimization
For production of diagnostics or research reagents: peptone-supplemented media often offer the best cost/performance ratio
Yes, we offer specialized ultrafiltered vegetable peptones specifically designed as direct replacements for TN1 (Tryptone N1). Our vegetable alternatives provide several distinct advantages:
- Advanced ultrafiltration technology: Our ultrafiltration process creates vegetable peptones with optimized molecular weight distributions that closely match the functional characteristics of TN1 and reduce endotoxin levels.
- Drop-in replacement capability: These ultrafiltered vegetable peptones are developed to work as direct substitutes in most applications with minimal process adjustments required.
- Animal-free alternative: Perfect for researchers and manufacturers looking to eliminate animal-derived components from their processes while maintaining performance.
- Improved consistency: Our vegetable-based alternatives often demonstrate better lot-to-lot consistency than traditional TN1 due to the standardized ultrafiltration step during the manufacturing process.
- Regulatory advantages: Vegetable-derived alternatives can simplify regulatory approval processes for certain applications, especially in markets with restrictions on animal-derived components.
we have successfully tested these ultrafiltered vegetable alternatives in HEL 293 cell applications with excellent results. Our technical team can provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate vegetable alternative based on your specific application requirements.
Quality Assurance & Manufacturing
Yes, all our peptones and protein hydrolysates are manufactured in our facilities in France. This centralized production approach allows us to maintain strict quality control throughout the entire manufacturing process, from raw material selection to final product packaging. Our French facilities operate under rigorous quality management systems that comply with international standards, ensuring consistent product quality and traceability.
Lot-to-lot consistency has historically been a concern with peptones due to their complex nature, but modern manufacturing processes have significantly improved this aspect:
Why variation can occur:
- Natural variation in raw materials (milk, soy, etc.)
- Complexity of enzymatic hydrolysis processes
- Multiple components that can vary in concentration
How we address consistency concerns:
- Standardized raw materials: We implement strict specifications and sourcing controls for our starting materials.
- Controlled manufacturing processes: Our production follows precise protocols with in-process monitoring to ensure consistency.
- Comprehensive testing: Each lot undergoes extensive analytical testing including:
- Microbiological analysis
- Physical and chemical property analysis
- Blending strategies: When requested, we employ blending techniques to normalize variations.
- Certificate of Analysis: We provide detailed documentation of key parameters for each lot.
- Functional validation: Products are tested in relevant applications to verify performance consistency.
While no natural-derived product can achieve the absolute consistency of chemically synthesized compounds, our modern peptones exhibit excellent lot-to-lot consistency that is suitable for most applications. For particularly sensitive applications, we offer consistency programs with enhanced controls and pre-testing options.
No. All Organotechnie peptones are non-GMO. We maintain a strict non-GMO policy throughout our entire production process:
- Non-GMO raw materials: We exclusively source raw materials that are certified non-GMO, whether they are animal-derived (casein, meat, gelatin) or plant-derived (soy, wheat, pea, etc.).
- Non-GMO production enzymes: The enzymes we use in our hydrolysis processes are produced from non-GMO cell lines. This ensures that every component involved in the manufacturing process adheres to our non-GMO standards.
- Complete traceability: Our quality management system maintains comprehensive documentation of the non-GMO status of all input materials used in our production.
- Verification testing: We implement testing protocols to verify the non-GMO status of our raw materials when appropriate.
This commitment to non-GMO production provides our customers with additional regulatory assurance and simplifies documentation requirements for applications where GMO-free status is important. All our products come with clear documentation confirming their non-GMO status.
It’s important to understand that there is no specific GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) referential standard established exclusively for peptones in the industry. However, we apply comprehensive quality systems derived from our API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production, which strictly follows GMP regulations.
Our approach to quality for peptones includes:
- Shared quality documentation system: The same robust documentation systems used for our GMP-compliant API production are applied to our peptone manufacturing processes. This ensures thorough traceability, change control, and procedural consistency.
- Risk-based Quality Process (RQP): We implement RQP methodologies to systematically identify, analyze, and control potential risks in our manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent product quality.
- Laboratory validations: Our testing methods are validated according the highest industry standards, ensuring accurate and reliable analytical results.
- Audit-ready facilities: Our manufacturing facilities are designed and maintained to meet the expectations of quality audits from regulated industries.
While peptones themselves do not have a dedicated GMP certification program, our manufacturing systems incorporate key GMP principles. This approach provides our customers with higher quality assurance than typical industrial-grade peptones, particularly beneficial for customers in regulated industries who require enhanced documentation and quality controls.
Custom Services & Support
es, we actively engage in co-development partnerships to create customized peptone solutions for specific applications. Our co-development process typically includes:
- Initial consultation: We begin by understanding your specific needs, challenges, and objectives for your cell culture or fermentation process.
- Feasibility assessment: Our R&D team evaluates potential approaches and formulations that might address your requirements.
- Collaborative development plan: We design a development program with clear milestones, deliverables, and timelines agreed upon by both parties.
- Iterative testing: Multiple peptone candidates are developed and tested, with refinements made based on performance results.
- Scale-up validation: Promising formulations are produced at progressively larger scales to ensure manufacturing feasibility and consistency.
- Implementation support: Once the optimal peptone is identified, we provide support for implementation in your process.
- Ongoing partnership: We maintain the relationship to address any emerging needs and continuous improvement opportunities.
Co-development partnerships can be structured with various commercial arrangements, including exclusive rights to the developed formulations when appropriate. These collaborations typically accelerate development timelines and produce superior results compared to off-the-shelf solutions.
We provide flexible packaging solutions to meet various industry requirements:
Our standard offering is 25 kg packaging, which is optimized for most industrial applications and provides an excellent balance of handling convenience and cost efficiency. This standard packaging is designed to maintain product integrity during storage and transport while meeting the needs of most production environments.
For pharmaceutical applications, we offer specialized single-use polyethylene (PE) packaging options. These single-use solutions can be customized according to specific customer requirements:
- Custom sizing: We can produce packaging in various sizes based on your batch requirements, from small trial quantities to larger production volumes.
- Specialized shapes: The PE packaging can be configured in different shapes to accommodate your specific handling equipment or storage constraints.
- Integration with production systems: Our pharmaceutical packaging can be designed to integrate seamlessly with your aseptic transfer or production systems.
- Quality documentation: All pharmaceutical packaging comes with appropriate documentation regarding materials and specifications.
- Validation support: We can provide necessary information to support your packaging validation requirements.
These single-use PE packaging options are particularly valuable for pharmaceutical manufacturing where reducing cross-contamination risks, simplifying handling, and ensuring sterility are critical considerations. Our packaging team can work directly with your production and quality departments to develop the optimal solution for your specific application.
Our Fast Track Development program accelerates the creation and delivery of customized peptone solutions for time-sensitive projects:
Key features:
- Parallel processing: Multiple potential solutions developed simultaneously rather than sequentially.
- Dedicated resources: Allocation of dedicated lab space and personnel to your project.
- Accelerated testing: Streamlined testing protocols focused on critical parameters for your application.
- Responsive communication: Direct access to project scientists and regular progress updates throughout the development process.
The Fast Track Development program is ideal for situations such as urgent troubleshooting of production issues
This program can significantly reduce time-to-solution for urgent challenges, potentially saving much greater costs associated with delayed projects or production problems.
Finding the Right Solution
If you can’t find a suitable product using our Peptone selector chart, we offer several personalized assistance options:
- Direct technical consultation: Contact our sales team with details about your specific application, cell line, or microorganism. We can recommend appropriate products that might not be evident through the standard selection tool.
- Custom solution development: If no existing product meets your needs, we can discuss developing a custom peptone specifically for your application.
Our goal is to ensure you find the optimal solution for your application, even when it’s not immediately apparent through our online tool.
Advanced Solutions for Cell Culture
Organotechnie's ultrafiltered C-Cell range delivers:
– Superior Filtration: Optimal molecular weight distribution ensures efficient sterile filtration
– Exceptional Purity: Extremely low endotoxin levels and minimal bioburden
– Safety Assurance: Free from pathogenic compounds through rigorous quality controls
– Proven Performance: Pea C-Cell P112 and Guar C-Cell G115 enhance protein expression HEK293 cell lines
Our ultrafiltered peptones combine uncompromising purity with demonstrated effectiveness for your most demanding cell culture applications.
