Suitability of Retinoic Acid (Code 104072) for Cell Culture Applications
Asked by: narakorn.wat
On: April 24, 2026
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Answered
Question
I would like to ask if Retinoic acid (Product Code: 104072) can be used for cell culture applications? (Is the product RUO or cell culture grade?)
Answer
The Retinoic acid you referred to is classified as a Certified Reference Material (CRM) and an Analytical Reagent.
Regarding your specific requirements for cell culture:
- RUO (Research Use Only): Yes, this product is intended for research and analytical purposes. The documentation mentions its use in research for studying cell differentiation and development.
- Cell Culture Grade: This specific product is not explicitly certified as "Cell Culture Grade" or "Endotoxin-tested." While it is a high-purity substance (100% Retinoic acid, CAS: 302-79-4), cell culture applications typically require additional specifications such as sterility and low endotoxin levels.
Usage Considerations for Cell Culture:
If you intend to use this analytical-grade Retinoic acid in a cell culture environment, please consider the following:
- Solubility: Retinoic acid is practically insoluble in water. It is typically dissolved in organic solvents like DMSO or absolute ethanol to create a stock solution.
- Sterilization: Since the powder is not sterile, the stock solution should be filter-sterilized using a 0.22 µm PTFE syringe filter (as it is solvent-based) before being added to the culture media.
- Sensitivity: Retinoic acid is highly sensitive to light and oxygen. Preparation and handling should be done under low-light conditions, and aliquots should be stored at -20°C or -80°C for long-term stability.
In summary, while it is a high-quality analytical standard suitable for research, it does not carry a specific "Cell Culture Grade" designation. Researchers often use analytical-grade reagents for these purposes but must perform their own sterilization and validation.