Fetal calf serum

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Fetal Calf Serum (FCS), also known as Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), is a common supplement used in the cell culture medium. It is derived from the blood of bovine fetuses and is a rich source of growth factors, hormones, and nutrients that support the growth and maintenance of eukaryotic cells in vitro.

Collection and Production[edit | edit source]

Fetal calf serum is collected from bovine fetuses during the slaughtering process of pregnant cows. The blood is drawn from the fetus in a sterile manner to prevent contamination. The blood is then allowed to clot, and the serum is separated from the clot by centrifugation. The serum is filtered to remove any remaining cells and debris, resulting in a clear, straw-colored liquid.

Composition[edit | edit source]

Fetal calf serum contains a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Key components include:

Applications[edit | edit source]

Fetal calf serum is widely used in biomedical research and biotechnology. Its applications include:

  • Cell culture: FCS is a critical component of the culture medium for growing mammalian cells. It provides essential nutrients and growth factors that support cell proliferation and maintenance.
  • Vaccine production: FCS is used in the production of vaccines, where it supports the growth of virus-producing cell lines.
  • Biopharmaceuticals: It is used in the production of therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies.
  • Tissue engineering: FCS is used in the development of engineered tissues and organs.

Ethical and Safety Considerations[edit | edit source]

The use of fetal calf serum raises ethical concerns due to the method of collection from bovine fetuses. Additionally, there are safety concerns regarding the potential for contamination with bovine viruses or prions. To address these issues, alternatives to FCS, such as serum-free media and synthetic supplements, are being developed.

Alternatives[edit | edit source]

Researchers are exploring alternatives to fetal calf serum to reduce reliance on animal-derived products. These alternatives include:

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Fetal calf serum remains a vital component in cell culture and biotechnology, despite ethical and safety concerns. Ongoing research aims to develop effective alternatives that can replace FCS in various applications.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD