Classic Media

Choosing the Right Sera for Your Cell Culture

Selecting the appropriate sera is critical for successful cell culture experiments.

Several factors influence this choice:

  • Cell type: Different cell types have varying nutritional requirements. For example, fetal bovine serum (FBS) is commonly used for many mammalian cell lines, while specific serum types may be necessary for primary cells or stem cells.
  • Experimental purpose: The intended use of the cells will determine the serum or plasma type. For example, serum-free media is often preferred for drug discovery or protein production studies.
  • Serum or plasma origin: The source animal can impact cell growth and experimental outcomes. For instance, fetal bovine serum is widely used, but bovine serum albumin (BSA) from adult cows may be suitable for certain applications.
  • Serum or plasma components: Consider the specific components required for your cell culture system. Some sera or plasmas may contain growth factors, hormones, or other substances that can influence cell behaviour.
  • Quality and consistency: Opt for high-quality serum or plasma from reputable suppliers to ensure reliable and reproducible results.