Fetal bovine serum in cell culture

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the procedures for producing fetal bovine serum (FBS), various testing standards, manufacturing sources, benefits, and applications of FBS in cell culture media preparation. FBS is the most widely used serum for in vitro eukaryotic cell culture. It is commonly used in biomedical research, drug development, and biomanufacturing. Due to its very low antibody levels and a higher content of growth factors, it is versatile in a wide range of cell culture applications. FBS is derived from peripheral blood collected from bovine fetuses through closed collection systems at slaughterhouses. A protein called bovine serum albumin (BSA) is the major component of FBS and plays a key role in maintaining osmotic balance and molecular transport within the cell culture medium. In addition to BSA, FBS is a rich source of growth and adhesion factors, lipids, hormones, nutrients, and electrolytes essential for supporting cell growth in culture. FBS is typically added to basic cell culture media such as Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) or Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI) at concentrations of 5.0% – 20.0%.