Gibco Penicillin Streptomycin GlutaMAX Supplement is a form of GlutaMAX Supplement that contains the antibiotics penicillin (10,000 units) and streptomycin (10,000 μg), along with 200 mM L-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide in a citrate buffer to maintain penicillin potency. GlutaMAX Supplement is an alternative to L-glutamine, with increased stability that improves cell health.
Compared to L-glutamine, GlutaMAX Supplement:
- Minimizes toxic ammonia build-up
- Improves cell viability and growth
Minimizes toxic ammonia build-up
Unlike L-glutamine, GlutaMAX Supplement does not spontaneously break down to form ammonia. Instead, cells cleave the dipeptide bond to release L-glutamine as needed. This system prevents waste build-up and maintains a fresh supply of L-glutamine during long-term culture.
Improves cell viability and growth
Cultures with lower levels of ammonia show improved cell viability. In addition, culture conditions are more controlled due to the consistent concentration of GlutaMAX Supplement that is not possible with L-glutamine.
About penicillin and streptomycin
The antibiotics penicillin and streptomycin are used to prevent bacterial contamination in cell cultures due to their effective combined action against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Penicillin acts by interfering directly with the turnover of the bacteria cell wall and indirectly by triggering the release of enzymes that further alter the cell wall. Streptomycin acts by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis and death in susceptible bacteria.
