Comparison of efficacies of fetal bovine sera from different suppliers in cell culture experiments

Abstract

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is widely used as a culture medium supplement. A high degree of variations is observed among FBS samples produced by different suppliers. The purpose of the present study was to compare between the quality and characteristics of FBS produced at Avicenna Research Institute (ARI-FBS) and a commercial FBS. Blood samples were taken from 50 healthy bovine fetuses at 2–9 months of age. Following clotting of the blood, samples were centrifuged. Their sera were collected under sterile conditions. After irradiation, to investigate the performance and quality assurance of the serum samples, some biological properties in cell culture applications, including capacities in supporting single cell growth, proliferation, and cell viability were examined by cell cloning, MTT assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Comparison of ARI-FBS with commercial FBS showed that both of them were expedient and reliable for use in culture studies. However, significant differences in growth rates of different cell lines were observed between them. Results of MTT assay showed that L929 cell line had a significantly better viability in ARI-FBS. Conversely, PC3 and SW480 cell lines were more viable in commercial FBS. In cloning experiments and flow cytometry, both sera showed similar efficiencies. ARI-FBS supported cell growth and maintained cell viabilities in a similar manner to the commercial FBS. ARI-FBS may thus be a proper alternative for commercial FBS as a growth-promoting component for successful culture of cell lines.

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