2-3% fetal calf serum in cell media is sufficient for the development and growth of human mononuclear cell cultures

Abstract

Aim: It is a common practice that 10-20% fetal calf serum (FCS) is being used in the cell culture media for the development and maintenance of human mononuclear cells as well as other cell cultures. FCS is produced through a painful process involving animals and is one of the major cost factors. The reduction in the volume of FCS can make it less unethical and reduce the costs strongly. Materials and Methods: Therefore 2-3 % FCS and 10% FCS were used in the development of different mononuclear cell cultures for making comparisons and different parameters like morphology, production of antibodies, isolation of DNA/RNA with mini-column and magnetic beads cell isolations along with the presence of human internal controls with real-time PCR were tested. Results: It was found that there was no difference between 2-3 % FCS and 10 % FCS containing media in the above-said parameters. More than a hundred such cell cultures were developed and many of them were maintained for more than 3 years. Conclusion: 2-3 % FCS is sufficient for the development and maintenance of human mononuclear cell cultures over a long period of time.