Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is the most widely used serum in cell culture worldwide. At Bio&SELL, you can purchase fetal bovine serum of verified quality at fair prices - with comprehensive batch documentation and, upon request, pre-test samples of your batch. Find the right FBS for your application:
Why FBS Quality Is Crucial to Your Results
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a natural product. Its composition varies from batch to batch. It is precisely these variations that are a common cause of cell culture results that are difficult to reproduce. That’s why we rely on controlled manufacturing processes and comprehensive quality controls, and offer you the option to test and reserve batches before purchase. This ensures you’ll be working with identical serum over the course of months and your experiments will remain comparable. Do you need specially treated FBS, such as heat-inactivated or dialyzed? You’ll find these variants in our Specially Treated FBS category.
FAQs
What is fetal bovine serum?
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a nutrient-rich serum derived from the blood of unborn calves. It contains important growth factors, proteins, hormones, and other nutrients that support cell growth and proliferation. As a supplement for in vitro cell culture, FBS has been considered the gold standard for decades.
What is the composition of fetal calf serum?
Fetal calf serum (FBS) contains a variety of natural proteins, growth factors, hormones, lipids, and other components that support the growth and proliferation of various adherent and non-adherent cell types. In addition, FBS has a low antibody content, making it the ideal supplement for the culture of both primary and established cells.
How is fetal bovine serum obtained?
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is obtained from the blood of unborn calves. The blood is collected via a puncture of the heart under conditions that are as sterile as possible. The blood is then allowed to clot, and the serum is separated from the blood cells and clotting factors by centrifugation. The collected serum is subsequently filtered, tested for contaminants and pathogens, and stored frozen until further use.
What is fetal calf serum used for in cell culture?
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is primarily used as a supplement for cell culture media. It helps supply cells with essential nutrients and growth factors, thereby supporting the cultivation of many adherent and suspension cells. Depending on the product and cell line, FBS is used in fields such as research, diagnostics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development.
How much fetal calf serum should be added to a cell culture medium?
The optimal concentration of fetal calf serum (FBS) depends on the specific cell line, the medium used, and the particular application. Concentrations of approximately 5 - 10% FBS are commonly used, but other concentrations may be more suitable for certain cell types. The optimal concentration should therefore be determined based on the specific cell line and the established experimental protocol.
What is the difference between FBS and FCS?
The terms fetal calf serum, fetal bovine serum (FBS), and fetal calf serum (FCS) all refer to the same biological product, which is derived from the blood of unborn calves. The differences lie solely in the spelling and linguistic origin. While “bovine” generally means “derived from cattle,” “calf” refers to a calf. The abbreviations FBS and FCS are therefore used interchangeably.
How do I find the right FBS for my cell culture?
The selection of the appropriate fetal bovine serum (FBS) depends, among other things, on the cell line, the application, and the serum quality requirements. Important criteria may include, for example, endotoxin content, immunoglobulin content, origin, sterility, hemoglobin content, and suitability for specific cell types. For special experimental conditions, Bio&SELL offers, among other options, low-endotoxin, low-IgG, dialyzed, heat-inactivated, delipidized, and other specially treated FBS variants.
Where can I buy high-quality fetal bovine serum?
If you’re looking for verified quality, high reproducibility, and an attractive price-performance ratio, Bio&SELL’s fetal bovine serum (FBS) is the right choice for you! Our standardized FBS Superior stabil®, for example, stands out with minimal batch-to-batch variation of just ±10%, thereby reducing the need for repeated serum testing. Extensive quality controls, transparent batch documentation, and free test samples provide you with additional assurance. Thanks to our comprehensive FBS portfolio, you’ll find the right solution for your cell culture. For reliable results, less time spent on testing, and more efficient research!
