Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is a cornerstone of cell culture, a crucial component that drives countless scientific and industrial processes. Whether you are an experienced researcher or a newcomer to biotechnology, understanding FBS's role, importance, and the best practices for its use is key to successful experimentation and development. In this article, we'll explore what FBS is, its applications, why it’s vital for various scientific endeavors, and why you should consider purchasing your FBS from Biofargo Inc.

What is Fetal Bovine Serum?

Fetal Bovine Serum is a highly complex mixture of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, growth factors, and other molecules derived from the blood of fetal calves. FBS is meticulously processed to remove cells and fibrin, leaving behind a nutrient-rich serum. The primary purpose of FBS is as a supplement to a basal growth medium to support eukaryotic cell cultivation.

How FBS is an Unsung Hero for Vaccine Development

The CDC (2024) estimates that "about 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination every year." This fact highlights the importance of developing and distributing vaccines across the world. Vaccines Viruses are propagated in cell cultures that require FBS to provide the necessary nutrients for viral replication. Ensuring adequate viral replication facilitates the development and mass production of vaccines. Considering that many vaccines use dead cells from the viruses they're protecting against, FBS plays a critical role in providing nutrients to cultivate these cells.

While fetal cells are involved in the vaccine development process, there is no fetal cell DNA present in any vaccine. Therefore, you can rest assured that no fetal DNA is introduced when you receive a vaccine

Applications of Fetal Bovine Serum

FBS is used extensively in a variety of applications across different scientific disciplines. Its primary use is in cell culture, where it serves as a supplement to the basal medium, providing essential nutrients that are not present in synthetic media. Below are some key applications:

1. Cell Culture

   1. Mammalian Cell Culture: FBS is indispensable for the growth and maintenance of mammalian cells, including human and animal cell lines. It provides growth factors and hormones that promote cell proliferation and differentiation.

   2. Stem Cell Research: In stem cell research, FBS supports the growth and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells. The serum’s growth factors are crucial for sustaining stem cells or guiding their differentiation into specific cell types.

   3. Primary Cell Culture: FBS is also vital in primary cell culture, where cells are directly isolated from tissues. The complex mixture of proteins and growth factors in FBS helps maintain these cells’ viability and functionality.

2. Biopharmaceutical Production

In the production of biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies, FBS is used in cell culture processes to optimize the growth and productivity of cells that produce therapeutic proteins. The high nutrient content and growth-promoting factors in FBS are essential for achieving high yields of biologically active proteins.

3. Toxicology Testing

FBS is also used in toxicology testing to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs. It supports the growth of cells used in in vitro assays, allowing researchers to observe the effects of drugs and other substances on cellular functions.

The Importance of Fetal Bovine Serum

The significance of FBS in scientific research and industrial applications cannot be overstated. It is often described as the "lifeblood" of cell culture due to its ability to provide an optimal environment for cell growth and proliferation. Here’s why FBS is so vital:

1. Rich in Growth Factors

FBS contains a wide array of growth factors that are essential for cell division and growth. These growth factors are often absent or present in insufficient quantities in synthetic media, making FBS indispensable for maintaining healthy cell cultures.

2. Versatility

The complex composition of FBS makes it suitable for a wide variety of cell types, including difficult-to-culture cells. Its versatility allows researchers to use a single type of serum across different experiments, simplifying the logistics of cell culture.

3. Consistency

High-quality FBS provides consistent results across experiments, which is crucial for reproducibility in scientific research. At Biofargo Inc., our FBS is meticulously screened and tested to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

4. Supports Cell Metabolism

FBS is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients that are essential for cell metabolism. These nutrients support cellular functions such as energy production, protein synthesis, and maintenance of cellular structures.

5. Protection Against Cellular Stress

Cells in culture can be susceptible to stress from changes in their environment, such as fluctuations in temperature or pH. FBS contains proteins and other molecules that can help protect cells from these stresses, maintaining their viability and function.

Choosing the Right Fetal Bovine Serum

When selecting FBS for your research or industrial processes, it’s important to consider factors such as the source, quality, and lot-to-lot consistency. Biofargo recognizes the many applications of FBS and is proud to supply 12 varieties:

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Additionally, we are proud to offer DMEM, RPMI1640, Horse Serum, and other FBS-related serums. For more information, visit our FBS Collection Page. 

Best Practices for Using Fetal Bovine Serum

To get the most out of your FBS, it’s important to follow best practices for storage, handling, and use. Here are some tips to ensure optimal performance:

1. Storage

FBS should be stored at -20°C or lower to maintain its stability and prevent degradation of its components. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these can degrade the serum and reduce its effectiveness.

2. Thawing

When thawing FBS, it’s best to do so slowly in a refrigerator at 2-8°C overnight, followed by a gentle mixing to ensure homogeneity. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in a water bath, as this can lead to the formation of precipitates and reduce the serum’s quality.

3. Filtration

While most FBS is sterile-filtered by the manufacturer, some researchers prefer to perform an additional filtration step before use. If you choose to filter your FBS, use a low protein-binding filter with a pore size of 0.2 μm.

4. Heat Inactivation

Heat inactivation is a process where FBS is heated to 56°C for 30 minutes to inactivate complement proteins that could interfere with certain assays. However, heat inactivation can also degrade some growth factors, so it should be done only when necessary.

5. Testing

Before using a new batch of FBS in critical experiments, it’s advisable to perform a small-scale test to ensure it meets your specific needs. This can include testing for cell growth, morphology, and other relevant parameters.

Highlighting the Importance of FBS

Fetal Bovine Serum is an indispensable tool in the world of biotechnology, providing the essential nutrients and growth factors needed for a wide range of cell culture applications. Moreover, FBS is often an unspoken hero for developing many of the world's most important vaccines. From eradicating poliovirus to protecting against influenza, the role of FBS is indispensable for modern medicine. Biofargo recognizes this awesome responsibility and is proud to be a partner for scientific advancement.

At Biofargo Inc., we are committed to providing our customers with the highest-quality FBS, with guaranteed quality controls and competitive pricing. By choosing Biofargo, you can be confident that you are getting a product that meets the rigorous demands of your research and production processes.