Uses
Fetal bovine serum (FBS), also known as fetal calf serum, offers essential nutrients and growth factors for the maintenance and growth of cultured cells. Cell-based applications are an integral part of basic research, biochemical studies, vaccine development, and drug discovery to name a few. FBS is the most used serum in cell-based applications as it provides the most robust culture system for the widest range of cell types.
Definition
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is a complex mixture of proteins, hormones, lipids and other various sized biomolecules, and is widely used in many growth supplements. FBS is derived from clotted whole blood aseptically collected from fetuses via cardiac puncture. The 500mL solution is sterile filtered and has a neutral pH. Each lot is rigorously controlled and tested and exceeds cell culture testing standards. The solution has no greater than 0.625 EU/mL endotoxins and is free from viral agents.
Biological Activity
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is the commonly used serum to supplement cell culture media due to its high nutritional content. FBS, despite its low protein content, is effective in promoting and maintaining the growth of vertebrate mammalian and insect cells. It can be used as a supplement to culture embryonic stem (ES) cells. FBS can also be used to prepare feeder layers and conditioned media.
