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Mammalian Cell Lines

Fluorescent staining of cultured mammalian cells

We are partnered with the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) repository, part of Public Health England, to offer quality-controlled cell lines and nucleic acids to laboratories around the world. Browse our portfolio of authenticated, validated, mycoplasma-free cell lines for biomedical research, protein production, hybridoma fusion, virus propagation, and more—including hundreds of cancer cell lines, and iPS cells from the European Bank of induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC). Cell line product pages also include ordering information for DNA, RNA and cDNA derived from corresponding cells, which allow researchers to screen for genes or gene expression patterns and identify the cell lines most suitable for their research.

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Human
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Mouse
Rat
Rat
Mouse Hybridoma
Mouse Hybridoma
Hamster
Hamster
Rat Hybridoma
Rat Hybridoma

Cell Lines

Our comprehensive offering of cells available with easy ordering and fast delivery also includes unique primate cell lines collected in accordance with guidelines established by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), as well as the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typed collection, and hybridoma cell lines that produce monoclonal antibody against specific epitopes.

Our encyclopedic collection of cells includes lines from the following tissue types and species:

Cancer Cell Lines

Fluorescent staining of UFH-001 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Search cell lines by cancer type:

To ensure reliable propagation and reproducible results, we recommend using authenticated cell lines from a reputable source.  The Sigma-Aldrich® brand guarantees unsurpassed quality control, so the cell lines we offer are pathogen-free and identity-certified. Browse our collection of over 600 cancer cell lines.

Other Mammalian Cell Line Collections

Our extensive collection of cell lines goes beyond tissue-specific human and cancer cell lines.

  • Non-human primate cells in cooperation with CITES: cells collected in cooperation with The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
  • HLA Collection: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-Typed Collection maintained by the European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC)
  • Hybridoma collection: cell lines optimized for the production of immunoglobulin and used in applications such as monoclonal antibody production
  • EBiSC iPS cell lines: inducible pluripotent stem cells from the European Bank
  • USCF Lung Epithelial cell lines: these cells are widely used to model barrier function of the airway epithelium and to study respiratory ion transport as well as the function of CFTR. These unique cell lines have also been used to study viral attachment and replication in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Applications for Mammalian Cell Lines

Cell lines are used not only to model biological systems and disease, but for practical biotechnology uses in the production of proteins, viruses, and more. Explore cells used in these applications:

Related Product Literature
Thawing of Frozen Cell Lines
Cell culture protocol for proper thawing of cryopreserved cell lines.
Cryopreservation of Cell Lines
Cell culture protocol for freezing cell lines at high cell viabilities using cryopreservation reagents such as DMSO. Cryopreservation is a method whereby cells are frozen, maintaining their viability, until they are defrosted months or years later. Free ECACC handbook download.
ECACC Handbook
Fundamental Techniques in Cell Culture Laboratory Handbook – 4th Edition
Related Product Categories
Classical Media & Buffers
Choose from a range of optimized cell culture media formulations, including DMEM, RPMI-1640, and serum-free options for diverse cellular needs.
Supplements for Cell Culture
Cell culture supplements enable the customization of media with defined characteristics to support specific applications and serum-free culture needs. Our culture-grade supplements include ITS formulations, amino acids, vitamins, antibiotics, and reagents qualified for hybridoma and insect cell culture.
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)
FBS, or fetal bovine serum (also called FCS) is one of the most important supplements for mammalian cell culture. Choose FBS grade based on documentation requirements and application specificity.
Primary Cells
Primary cells are derived directly from living tissue and closely replicate the physiology of biological systems. Our collection includes blood, patient tumor xenografts, and hepatocytes essential for drug screening and ADME/Tox studies.
Stem Cells
Our complete range of ES and iPS cell-qualified products includes stem cell lines and media for differentiation and maturation, and provides stem cell researchers with convenient and cost-effective solutions for the reliable culture of pluripotent stem cells.
Stericup® Vacuum Filters
Next-gen Stericup® Quick Release: upgraded design enhances usability, streamlines filtration, safeguards cell cultures with Millipore® membranes.
Millipore® Sterile Filters
Seamless Sterile Filtration: Choose us for reliable Stericap® & Steripak® devices, ensuring sterile, quality solutions from mL to 20 L.
Agarose: Properties and Research Applications
We offer agarose bioreagents in a selection of grades suitable for cell culture and molecular biology applications ranging from chromatography to nucleic acid & protein gel electrophoreses. The pHast Pack™ ready-to-pour agarose gels are formulated to save time and effort in native RNA and DNA electrophoresis assays.
Related Applications
Mammalian Cell Culture
Applications, principles, and methods for in vitro mammalian cell culture including links to articles, protocols, and videos for proper aseptic technique, passaging and subculturing, and culture media considerations.
Stem Cell Culture
An overview of different stem cell types, stem cell culture basics and stem cell applications in basic research and clinical research applications, such as tissue regeneration, genetic diseases and cancer.
Primary Cell Culture
Primary cells isolated directly from human and animal sources maintain physiological relevance of the tissues from which they are derived, and are used for ADME/Tox screening. Find applications and methods for culturing mammalian primary cells in vitro.
3D Cell Culture
Applications, principles, and techniques for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. Includes techniques and descriptions of scaffold and scaffold-free methods matrices for the culture of complex in vitro models including organoids and spheroids.
Cell Culture Media Preparation
Culture media preparation for in vitro cell cultivation including preparation of different media formats, sterilization methods, cell growth and regulation supplements, media storage and use.
Cell Growth & Maintenance
A synopsis of the conditions, media, nutrients, cultureware, and environments required for successful propagation of mammalian and yeast cells. Nutrient reagents, sterile technique and filtration, and requirements for 2D, 3D, and suspension cultures are described.
Cell Culture Troubleshooting
Expert tips for correcting common problems with cell culture including bacterial and fungal contamination, debris in culture media, cell detachment or clumping, slow growth, and low viability.
Transfection & Gene Editing
Cell transfection principles, common transfection methods, and the role of transfection in gene editing and silencing for research, drug discovery, recombinant protein production.

Highlights

Slide 1 of 6
A Guide to Successful Cell Culture
A Guide to Successful Cell Culture
Become familiar with best practice to use when you are growing cells
Filter Membrane Selection Recommendations
Filter Membrane Selection Recommendations
Are you using the correct membrane for sterile filtration
Cell Culture Freezing Tips
Cell Culture Freezing Tips
Are you following best practices for cryostorage? We have cool tips for protecting your cells.
The European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the potential to significantly advance drug development and medical research, yet collections of stem cells are scattered across the world, their quality cannot always be guaranteed, and accessing them is often difficult. The goal of EBiSC (European Bank of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) is to establish an iPS cell bank that will be the ‘go-to’ resource for the characterization, storage and distribution of high-quality iPS cells from both normal and diseased patients.
Cell Analysis Best Practices
Cell Analysis Best Practices
How do you assess the state of your cell culture? We’ve got some best practices to share.
Preventing Cell Culture Contamination
Preventing Cell Culture Contamination
Tips for Clean, Healthy Cell Culture
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