Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a ubiquitously used essential
supplement in cell culture media. FBS is a cocktail of
proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, growth
factors, minerals and trace elements and is used as an
universal growth supplement effective for most types of
human and animal (including insect) cells. The major
functions of serum in culture media are to provide:
i. Hormonal factors stimulating cell growth and
proliferation and promoting differentiated functions.
ii. Transport proteins carrying hormones (e.g. transcortin),
minerals and trace elements (e.g. transferrin) and lipids
(e.g. lipoproteins)
iii. Attachment and spreading factors, acting as
germination points for cell attachment.
iv. Stabilizing and detoxifying factors needed to maintain
pH or to inhibit proteases either directly, such as αantitrypsin or α2-macroglobulin, or indirectly, by acting
as an unspecific sink for proteases and other (toxic)
molecules.
RM10434 is fetal bovine serum collected from approved
abattoirs in USA. US Origin FBS is considered the world’s
standard for quality and is one of the most widely used
serum in the world.