Cell Culture And Molecular Biology Grade Water

Our grades of ultra-pure water are tested for application-specific criteria so you get the best results. Choose the best ultra-pure water for your application from the table below.

*Water, Cell Culture WFI Quality is tested to meet the specifications found in the USP monograph for Water for Injection (WFI) for endotoxin, TOC, and conductivity. This water is only intended for research and further manufacturing use, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
**<0.005 EU/mL

What differentiates our water grades is the application-specific criteria used to quality test each water grade

Water, Cell Culture, WFI Quality and Water, Endotoxin Free are purified to meet the specific needs of cell culture applications. They are essential in further manufacturing, medical device sterilization, biotechnology research, and laboratory testing, where the presence of endotoxins can cause harmful immune reactions or interfere with experimental results. Water, DEPC-Treated is treated to inactivate RNases and is suitable for RNA work. Water, Molecular Biology Grade and Water, PCR-Qualified are free from contaminants such as DNases, RNases, and Protease, making them ideal for molecular biology experiments like PCR, cloning, and electrophoresis.

Water has no buffering capacity. It is not unusual for water to range in pH from 2 to 10 units.

We also recommend checking the lot-specific COA for detailed information on pH and other relevant specifications.

All QBI water products can be stored at room temperature. To prevent contamination, ensure the containers are sealed tightly, and avoid prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight.

WFI stands for Water for Injection.

QBI’s Water, Cell Culture, WFI Quality meets the specification found in the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) monograph for Water for Injection (WFI) for endotoxin, TOC, and conductivity. It is additionally tested for sterility, mycoplasma, and cell culture performance. This water is NOT intended for injection. It is only intended for research or further manufacturing use, not diagnostic or therapeutic use.

WFI Water is a grade of sterile water that meets the quality standards set by pharmacopeial groups. WFI Water is used to make solutions that will be given by injection.

It will depend on your application. Regular distilled water may contain trace amounts of RNases, which can degrade RNA during experiments, potentially compromising results. DEPC-treated water is recommended for procedures that involve RNA work, as it ensures the water is free from these contaminants. For general cell culture, if RNA work is not involved, regular sterile distilled water may be used, but care should be taken to prevent contamination. For cell culture applications, we recommend using our Water, Cell Culture, WFI quality.

DEPC-treated water should be free of RNases, and its effectiveness can be tested by using it in an RNA-related experiment. If RNA is degraded in the presence of DEPC-treated water, it indicates contamination or improper treatment. Water from commercial suppliers is pre-tested for RNase-free quality, ensuring it meets the required standards. QBI tests its DEPC water to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment before it is made available for purchase. 

Water has no buffering capacity. It is not unusual for water to range in pH from 2 to 10 units.

We also recommend checking the lot-specific COA for detailed information on pH and other relevant specifications.

DEPC-treated water should not have any negative effects on cell viability or growth if properly prepared. However, if the DEPC is not fully removed, residual DEPC may be toxic to cells and can impair their growth. For cell culture applications, we recommend using our Water, Cell Culture, WFI quality and not our DEPC-treated water. 

DEPC-treated water is not typically recommended for DNA-related applications because DEPC is known to modify nucleic acids, including DNA. If you’re working with DNA, it’s best to use sterile, RNase-free water that has not been treated with DEPC, as it may interfere with DNA quality or integrity. QBI recommends using our Water, Molecular Biology or Water, Endotoxin Free for DNA-related applications 

Water, DEPC-Treated is not recommended for cell culture application. DEPC-treated water is treated with diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) to inactivate RNases (enzymes that degrade RNA) and ensure a nuclease-free environment. This is particularly important in molecular biology where the integrity of RNA is crucial, such as during RNA isolation. A more appropriate choice for cell culture is our Water, Cell Culture, WFI Quality (Item # 118-162).

DEPC-Treated Water is more appropriate for use in molecular biology applications.

Yes, DEPC-Treated Water is specifically designed for RNA experiments, as DEPC inactivates RNases that would otherwise degrade RNA. This makes it an essential reagent for RNA extraction, RT-PCR, and other RNA-focused molecular biology techniques.