A Deep Dive into Fetal Bovine Serum, The Lifeblood of Cell Culture

FBS or Fetal Bovine Serum is also known as Fetal Calf Serum. It is a typical component of animal cell culture media broadly used in both industrial research and academic biology sectors as a supplement in cell culture applications for basal growth medium. Fetal bovine serum is usually harvested from pregnant cows' bovine fetuses during slaughter. It is the amber-coloured blood fraction left after the natural clot formation of blood. After that, the centrifugation process is applied for further refining. It removes the serum's remaining blood cells, low-solubility proteins, and coagulation fibrinogens. The final product is a rich source of proteins used as a critical growth factor supporting cell growth in culture.

Today, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and its uses. Finally, we will also reveal the name of the leading life science research-support company offering USDA-approved US-origin FBS. Let's begin.

Fetal Bovine Serum Overview

FBS is an extensively used serum supplement for the in vitro cell culture of eukaryotic cells. It has many growth factors and also contains a lower level of antibodies. These factors pave the way for versatility in different cell culture applications. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), a globular protein, is the major component of fetal bovine serum. FBS also contains many other rich protein varieties that help maintain cultured cells in a medium where they can survive, develop, and divide.

Since FBS is a biological product, its exact composition varies from batch to batch. It causes problems in research as reproducing the result becomes difficult. In fact, in a report published in Nature, Baker said that around 80% of biological researchers cannot repeat the results of others' experiments. 60% of biologists can't even repeat their own experimental outcomes.

To navigate this problem, scientists have developed a serum-free chemically defined medium known as CDM. It is typically made of synthetic ingredients with recognized compositions. As a result, they are more consistent than FBS regarding reducing variability in research results. However, even CDM has some limitations as it lacks many nutrients cells require to grow. Some cell lines still need FBS for optimal growth.

Its Uses

We have already discussed the primary use of fetal bovine serum. It is used as a growth supplement for in vitro cell culture and aids in:

1. Providing nutrients, transport proteins, trace elements, adherence, etc.
2. Supplying hormones for cell proliferation and growth
3. Triggering cell differentiation
4. Creating an appropriate environment for cell growth with detoxifying and stabilizing factors

Academic researchers and scientists from the biotechnological and pharmaceutical sectors also rely on the treasured properties of FBS for many specific applications. The list includes but not limited to:

1. Cloning
2. Biopharmaceuticals
3. Cryopreservation
4. Production of synthetic protein
5. Stem-cell research
6. Animal diagnostics
7. Production of viral vector and vaccine
8. Immunotherapy
9. In vitro fertilization
10. Cell and gene therapy

Buy USDA-Approved US-Origin FBS

Bio Basic, the leading Canadian life science research-support company, offers USDA-approved US-origin fetal bovine serum in two categories. Kindly note that this product is currently only available in Canada. Contact us now to learn more about each option and pricing.