Why use DMSO and FCS for freezing cells? Options

[Parker@]

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

[sharath]

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.

[fred_33]

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

This post has been edited by fred_33: Mar 16 2005, 07:57 AM

[ofira_carmi]

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

[badcell]

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.

This post has been edited by badcell: Mar 16 2005, 07:09 AM