Use of novel cystine analogs to decrease oxidative stress and control product quality

•Replacement of cysteine with cystine analogs can improve product quality.•N,N′-diacetyl-l-cystine dimethylester (DACDM) reduce charge variants and protein coloration without negative effect on titer.•DACDM can be used as a cysteine sources by CHO cells.•DACDM contribute to the cellular defense against oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular glutathione pool.