FreeStyle™ MAX 293 Expression System - FAQs

The two systems have the same components except for the transfection reagent and the medium supplied for formation of transfection complexes. The FreeStyle Max 293 Expression System contains FreeStyle Max Reagent and OptiPRO SFM (serum-free medium that is devoid of animal-origin components), whereas the FreeStyle 293 Expression System contains 293fectin Transfection Reagent and Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium (serum-free medium but not animal-origin free).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Expression Support Center.

The optimal amount will vary, but we recommend starting with a 1:1 ratio of DNA and lipid. For example, 1.25 ug DNA and 1.25 ul of the reagent for one ml of suspension cells.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Transfection Support Center.

Generally, any mammalian expression vector should be compatible with the FreeStyle expression system. Some of the more popular choices include pcDNA3.3-TOPO TA vector (Cat. No. K8300-01), pcDNA3.4-TOPO TA vector (Cat. no. A14697), pcDNA3.2 DEST vector (Cat. No. 12489018), pCEP vector (Cat. No. V044-50), or pcDNA4/HisMax vector (Cat. No. K864-20).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Expression Support Center.

Lipofectamine 2000 is designed for adherent cells. FreeStyle and 293fectin reagents are designed for suspended Hek293 and CHO cells. For transfecting 293 suspension cells, FreeStyle MAX reagent yields transfection efficiency comparable to Lipofectamine 2000 and 293fectin reagents. However, Lipofectamine 2000 and 293fectin reagents do not work well for CHO suspension cells.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Transfection Support Center.

In general, the transfection efficiency for FreeStyle MAX reagent is 65% when used with suspension CHO and 293 cells.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Transfection Support Center.