Could the use of different FBS affact my cells - (Feb/02/2012 )

Dear Guys,
At first I am very grateful for all your help in advance.
I was using FBS from a company called CCB (cell culture biosience) http://www.nichirei.co.jp/bio/products/safc/Cell_Culture_Bioscience.html
.
then we have bought FBS from other company called biowest ( french origin).
http://www.biowest.net/eu/index.php?pg=Animal_Serum_Products_List&num_cat=1&cat=Animal%20Serum&menu=off

my question could the change of FBS affect my cells???
Does anyone has a similar experience with different suppliers for different FBS.
is it better to filter (0.2 microfiltration my biowest FBS before I aliquot it into smaller volume???
Thanks guys for your thoughts, experience and comments
Best Regards
Shimaa

Yes, a change in FBS will certainly affect your cells. Even different batches of FBS from the same supplier will have an effect on your cells. Usually you'd test several batches of FBS before purchase (ask them for a free small aliquot), determine the best batch and then order large quantities of that particular batch.

madelingirly on Fri Feb 3 01:44:43 2012 said:

Dear Shimaa,

Of course serum from different batches, companies and countries of origin CAN affect cells. We find that cell growth, viability and morphology generally are NOT affected. However if you look at more sensitive cellular makers then these can change dramatically.

That is why it is always best to BATCH TEST a large quantity of serum......purchase it and use it over a 2-3 year period.....so that experimentally you get consistant results.

If your serum comes from a reputable source, it will already be filtered through a 01uM filter....so there is no need to further filter it

Serum quality is in the following order......and funnily enough the price of said serum is also in the same order:

New Zealand>Australian>USA>South American>European>UK

Hope you find this useful..... I have to say that this SHOULD be common knowledge in all cell culture labs.......in my experience though even senior post docs/PI are unaware of the differences.

Kindest regards

Uncle Rhombus

Hi:

Yes, the different FBS source could RADICALLY affect your cell growth, downstream applications etc.

Two examples:

1) We normally use Canadian-source FBS from one company and were asked to test FBS from another company. Same source of cells grown in the same media, just adapted to our FBS or the rival. We saw a clear difference in growth (cell numbers) over a 5 day period. I'm happy to say our brand of FBS outperformed the rival.

2) This one is specific to the BioWest brand of FBS. We inherited several bottles of BioWest FBS from another lab. The bottles were several years old but we were assured that the FBS was stored at -20 C over the period. I made up media using the BioWest FBS in parallel with our normal source.
We grow insect cells in monolayer cultures and infect with baculovirus. The cells adapted to the BioWest FBS grew fine, but would NOT infect with the same baculovirus that caused a great infection in cells grown in our regular FBS. It was a night-and-day difference.

My suggestion is to go back to your old source of FBS. Or if that is too expensive, approach several companies and ask for samples to use to test their FBS with your cells. There is a LOT of money to be made from distribution of FBS, so 100 ml is nothing to these companies if they get your business. Once you find an FBS that works, stick with that company and ask for lot matching. The company will analyze each lot of FBS they produce and try to supply you with a product that closely matches the FBS sample that works for you.

Good luck!

totally agree with uncle Rhombus.

Thanks,
Dear

Rsm

Uncle rhombus

Leishman001

scolix

for your helpful advice

Best Regards
Shimaa