Fetal Bovine Serum - Embryonic Stem Cell Qualified, Heat Inactivated

Only the highest quality Fetal Bovine Serum, also known as Fetal Calf Serum (FCS), lots are selected for further testing regarding suitability for culturing embryonic stem cells. This screening includes plating efficiency, colony morphology, and cytotoxicity assays. ES Qualified FBS lots must offer outstanding performance with embryonic stem cells while maintaining the cells in their valuable undifferentiated state. All lots of Embryonic Stem Cell Qualified FBS are manufactured in our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility.

Heat Inactivation - Serum is inactivated by raising the temperature to 56 °C for 30 minutes under controlled conditions. The objective of heat inactivation is to destroy complement activity in the serum without affecting the growth-promoting characteristics of the product. Removal of complement activity from the serum is not required for most cell cultures, but may be necessary for cultures that are sensitive to the complement activity. Since heat inactivation of the serum may, to some extent, decrease the growth performance properties of the serum, this procedure should only be performed if actually required for optimal cell growth. Researchers should evaluate the applicability of heat inactivation in regards to their own application. If heat inactivation is required, the process should be carefully controlled to avoid increased formation of crystalline and flocculent precipitates, gelling of serum proteins and excessive loss of growth performance. Significant damage to serum can occur when it is subjected to higher than required temperatures or heated over extended lengths of time.

Protocol for Heat Inactivation of Serum Products.
Protocol for Fetal Bovine Serum Storage, Thawing, and Freezing.