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BioForum _ Cell Biology _ Why use DMSO and FCS for freezing cells?

Posted by: Parker@ Feb 26 2005, 07:50 AM

Hi!, anyone know the theory besides why we use DMSO and FCS for freezing??

Posted by: sharath Feb 26 2005, 10:19 PM

I do not know the exact role of FCS but DMSO is used as a cryoprotectant. it prevents formation of ice crystals which otherwise lyses the cells during thawing. May be FCS is used as a stabilizer since it contains abundant proteins.

Posted by: fred_33 Feb 28 2005, 01:52 AM

hi
use of FCS is not absolute necessary, due to the fact m boss use serum free medium + DMSO in order to freeze his cells in nitrogen....
seems that using DMSO is more important.

moreover in the atcc site, there are guidelines for freezing cells

Fred

Posted by: ofira_carmi Mar 16 2005, 04:46 AM

using dmso is as they explained before, using fcs is importent too for 2 reasons one of them is for dilluting the dmso (dmso can hurt the envelope of the cells thats why u freez the cell with 10% dmso and the rest is fcs or fbs- it doesnt matter)- so when u thaw the cells they will be ok

Posted by: badcell Mar 16 2005, 07:09 AM

I agree with Fred in that FBS or FCS are not necessary. I froze the cells in 7.5% DMSO diluted in DMEM and they are OK at thawning. Maybe for particular cell lines is better to use FBS/FCS, but for most cases is just a waste of money, as DMEM works equally well.