In a groundbreaking study, researchers at New Life Biologics have discovered a viable alternative to FBS, a critical but often controversial component used in tissue culture within biomedical research.
The study presents adult bovine plasma as a promising substitute, potentially resolving long-standing availability and logistical challenges associated with FBS.
Fetal bovine serum is widely used for its rich content of growth factors and hormones, which are essential for cell growth and maintenance in vitro. However, its use raises ethical concerns and is subject to fluctuating availability and high costs. The new research suggests that adult bovine plasma, when processed with a specific cell growth promoter (CGP), can effectively support cellular proliferation, matching the performance of FBS in various tissue culture applications.
The study focused on comparing the proliferation profiles of different cell types when cultured in media containing either FBS or the novel CGP-enhanced adult bovine plasma. The results showed no significant difference in cell growth between the two media types, indicating that the CGP-treated adult plasma can serve as a functional and ethical alternative to FBS.
“This finding has the potential to revolutionise tissue culture practices in biomedical research,” said Cori Fitzgerald, Chief Scientist, New Life Biologics. “Not only does it address ethical concerns, but it also offers a more sustainable and accessible solution for scientists worldwide.”
The transition to adult bovine plasma could alleviate the pressure on the demand for fetal bovine serum, reducing the industry’s impact on animal welfare and making research more sustainable. Further studies and validation are needed, but this discovery opens new avenues for ethical and efficient biomedical research.
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