E. coli-based Systems

Utilizes extracts derived from Escherichia coli cells. Commonly used due to high protein yield and well-characterized nature.

High efficiency, cost-effective, and fast. Suitable for producing a wide range of proteins, including toxic ones.

Limited in post-translational modifications such as glycosylation.

Wheat Germ Extract Systems

Uses extracts from wheat germ, ideal for expressing eukaryotic proteins and complex multi-domain proteins.

Better at performing eukaryotic post-translational modifications compared to bacterial systems.

Generally lower protein yield and higher cost compared to E. coli systems.

Rabbit Reticulocyte Lysate Systems

Derived from rabbit reticulocytes, commonly used for studying eukaryotic proteins.

Capable of producing proteins with accurate eukaryotic post-translational modifications.

Lower yield and higher cost than bacterial systems, with some proteins requiring additional components.

Insect Cell Extract Systems

Uses extracts from insect cells, suitable for expressing proteins requiring more complex post-translational modifications.

Provides better post-translational modifications than bacterial and wheat germ systems.

Lower yield and higher cost compared to bacterial systems. Often less expensive than mammalian extracts.

Mammalian Cell Extract Systems

Derived from mammalian cells, ideal for producing proteins that require complex post-translational modifications.

Produces proteins with the most accurate and comprehensive post-translational modifications, ideal for therapeutic production.

The most expensive system with lower yields compared to other cell-free systems.