Serum free systems

Basics

Cell culture, the cultivation of cells isolated from live tissue in vitro (in the test tube), is an acknowledged and valuable tool in biomedical research for the acquisition of reproducible data. In addition, highly effective substances are produced in large-scale for medicine or biopharmaceutical and academic research by means of cell cultures to an ever increasing degree (e.g. Insulin, growth factors, monoclonal antibodies, or clotting factors).

The cell culture with serum

Cell cultures in vitro need nutrient solutions, so-called media, which provide a simulation as close as possible of the in vivo situation (in live organism). For this purpose these cell culture media – mixtures of nutrients, salts, trace elements, buffers, growth factors, protective binding and transport proteins and many additional components – have to be supplemented by a most natural, highly complex additive mixture. For many years, animal derived and also human sera were the means of choice for production related reasons as well as for a lack of alternatives in more defined cell culture nutrients.

Funktion of serum in cell cultures

Growth factors and hormones stimulate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation

Attachment factors favour or enable the attachment of cells to the culture dish (biomatrix)

Transport and binding proteins support the supply with hormones, minerals and lipids

Serum proteins bind toxic substances and stabilize sensitive growth factors However, the use of serum in cell cultures, usuallyfetal bovine serum (FBS), is problematic for several reasons.

Disadvantages of serum in cell culture

The composition of serum is variable and depends on the age of the fetus, on the origin and feeding of the animals, and on the time of year at slaughter

Serum batches have to be tested extensively for their suitability before use

Test results are often unsatisfactory and often not comparable because of the undefined and inconsistent nature of serum

Risk of a contamination with bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma and virus from serum

Risk of contamination with TSE agents (transmissible spongiform encephalopathy)

Possibility of impurities in the end products due to residual serum proteins or pyrogens

Time-consuming purification of the end products from culture media containing serum

Uncertain availability and increasing cost of serum

The serum-free cell culture

Because of the numerous disadvantages of a serumcontaining cell culture, for many years considerable research and development efforts have been undertaken to finally establish cell cultures under serum-free conditions.

Advantages of serum-free cell culture

Lower risk of contamination with bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma or virus

Defined and reproducible formulations result in more convincing and comparable research data

Time-consuming batch tests are dispensable

Elimination of a source for possible infectious agents (prions)

Ease of purification of end products

Fulfilment of legal requirements for the manufacturing of medical products

Reduction of impurities in end products by culture residues

PAN-Seratech offers a broad range of high quality serum replacements. You can find more information on the appropriate sites.

Do you know?

Serum introduces several severe unknown variables into the cell culture procedure, as serum (a) is a poorly defined supplement (Bjare, 1992; Gstraunthaler, 2003); (b) batches show typically qualitative variations and different amount of endotoxins, haemoglobin and other factors (Price and Gregory, 1982); (c) can be a potential source of contamination (Dormont, 1999; Eliot, 1999; Wessman and Levings, 1999) and (d) does not represent physiological conditions. Therefore, FBS may alter the experimental output or the performance of assays.

Description	Grafics
Media with 10% FBS: FBS contains hundreds of distinct proteins and thousands of metabolites in undefined, varying concentrations Resulting in inconsistent results and unreproducible data Data in figure from M. Baker, Nature 537 2016 433–435
Media with 1% FBS and 9% SERAplex: The variation of bioactive components in FBS from lot to lot can be reduced tremendously Can be easily adaped to a wide range of cell types With significantly improved reproducibility More independent from the lot, the origin and the supplier of FBS
Serum-free media with SERAplex: Constant quality Highest reproducibility No more serum testing!

SERAplex

SERAplex is a fully defined serum replacement for the cultivation of adherent and non-adherent cells under serum-free culture conditions or to significantly reduce the amount of serum in cell culture. It supports the growth of many cell types in an optimum manner without any extra handling compared to serum.

Description	Size	Product number	Datasheet
SERAplex	50 ml 100 ml 500 ml	ST04-96090 ST04-96900 ST04-96950	Datasheet

Composition
SERAplex contains purified proteins, lipids, salts, amino acids, trace elements, hormones and a 3-dimensional substrate release system in an optimized formulation. It contains no growth factors, undefined hydrolysates or peptones.
Suitabilitiy
SERAplex is suitable for the cultivation of a variety of adherent and non-adherent cells under serum-free culture conditions. Further informations can be found in the datasheet.
Special advantages
SERAplex is designed to replace or to reduce serum in the cell culture in a very simple manner. In most cases there is no need to change the basal medium. As SERAplex is fully chemically defined and contains no peptones or hydrolysates, lot testing is no more necessary. It also allows high reproducibility and a simplified downstream process. SERAplex basic contains no growth factors and enables defined proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Characterization studies of growth factors will obtain more reproducible and clearer results. SERAplex is also useful to develop sensitive cell-based in vitro tests and coculture procedures.

SERAplex NTA

SERAplex NTA is a ready-to-use, fully defined serum substitute for the cultivation of adherent cells under serum-free conditions. The sterile solution is added to the culture medium in a final concentration of 10%. It supports the adherent growth of many cell types in an optimum manner.

Description	Size	Product number	Datasheet
SERAplex NTA	100 ml 500 ml	ST04-95700 ST04-95750	Datasheet
SERAplex NTA Pharma Grade	50 ml 100 ml 500 ml	ST04-95070P ST04-95700P ST04-95750P	Datasheet

Composition
SERAplex NTA contains purified proteins, lipids, salts, amino acids, trace elements, attachment factors and hormones in an optimized formulation. SERAplex NTA contains no growth factors, undefined hydrolysates or peptones. SERAplex NTA Pharmagrade is free of any animal-derived components. Customized formulations (e.g. without hormones and insulin) on request.
Suitability
SERAplex NTA is suitable for the cultivation of a variety of adherent cells under serum-free culture conditions.
Special advantages
It has been shown for many cell lines that SERAplex NTA can fully replace FBS. Due to specially selected and pretested raw materials SERAplex NTA batches are very homogeneous, therefore the complex batch testing known from FBS can be omitted with the use of SERAplex NTA. SERAplex NTA is completely fully defined and contains no undefined peptones or hydrolysates. Due to this special formulation the interpretation of results from studies on effects of individually added growth factors is easier and more reliable in serum-free conditions. For cell lines which require specific growth factors these should be added in a concentration as previously used.

SERAplex NTS

SERAplex NTS is a ready-to-use, fully defined serum substitute for the cultivation of suspension cells under serum-free conditions. SERAplex NTS is developed with a unique technology and contains a special 3-dimensional substance release system (3D-SRS) for an optimal support of cells with nutrients and growth stimulants. The sterile solution is added to the culture medium in a final concentration of 10%. It supports the growth of many cell types in an optimum manner.

Description	Size	Product number	Datasheet
SERAplex NTS	50 ml 100 ml 500 ml	ST04-95080 ST04-95800 ST04-95850	Datasheet
SERAplex NTS Pharma Grade	50 ml 100 ml 500 ml	ST04-95080P ST04-95800P ST04-95850P	Datasheet

Composition
SERAplex NTS contains purified proteins, lipids, salts, amino acids, trace elements, and hormones in an optimized formulation and a new 3-dimensional substance release system (3D-SRS). SERAplex NTS contains no growth factors, undefined hydrolysates or peptones. SERAplex NTS Pharma Grade is free of any animal-derived components. Customized formulations (e.g. without hormones and insulin) on request.
Suitability
SERAplex NTS is suitable for the cultivation of a variety of non-adherent suspension cells under serum-free conditions.
Special advantages
SERAplex NTS can be used for many cell lines to replace FBS. Due to specially selected and pretested raw materials SERAplex NTS batches are very homogeneous. Therefore the complex batch testing known from FBS can be omitted with the use of SERAplex NTS. SERAplex NTS is completely fully defined and contains no growth factors, undefined peptones or hydrolysates. Due to this special formulation the interpretation of results from studies on effects of individually added growth factors is easier and more reliable in serum-free conditions. For cell lines which require specific growth factors these should be added in a concentration as previously used.

Serum-free media

PAN-Seratech offers a broad range of high quality serum-free media. You can find more information on the appropriate sites.

Panserin 401 Panserin 401 is a fully defined complete ready-to-use medium for the serum-free cultivation of a multitude of adherent and non adherent cells.	Panserin 411 Panserin 411 is a fully defined, complete ready-to-use medium for the serum-free cultivation of a multitude of adherent and non adherent cells which are Insulin-dependent (e.g. CHO-cells).	Panserin 411S Panserin 411S is a fully defined, complete ready-to-use medium for the serum-free cultivation of myeloid and lymphoid cells for cytological examination.	Panserin 412 Panserin 412 is a fully defined, complete, ready-to-use medium for the serum-free cultivation of a multitude of adherent cells.	Panserin 413 Panserin 413 is a ready-to-use medium optimized for the serum-free in vitro cultivation of human immune cells isolated from peripheral whole blood.
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Panserin H4000 Panserin H4000 is a protein-free ready-to-use medium for an optimized growth of myeloma and hybridomacell lines in suspension culture for the production of monoclonal antibodies. Panserin H4000 is suitable for spinner cultures, roller bottles and tissue culture bioreactors.	Panserin H8000 Panserin H8000 is a protein-free, ready-to-use medium for an optimized growth of cholesterol-dependent myeloma and hybridoma cell lines in suspension culture for the production of monoclonal antibodies. Panserin H8000 is suitable for spinner cultures, roller bottles and bioreactors.	Panserin C6000 Panserin C6000 is a protein-free ready to use medium for an optimized growth of CHO-cells (Chinese Hamster Ovary) and their recombinant derivates in suspension culture. These cells are often used for the production of recombinant proteins for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Panserin C6000 is suitable for spinner cultures, roller bottles and tissue culture flasks and bioreactors.	Panserin 293A Panserin 293A is a complete ready to use medium for the serum-free cultivation of HEK293 cells (Human Embryonic Kidney) in adherent culture.	Panserin 293S Panserin 293S is a complete ready to use medium for the serum-free cultivation of HEK293 cells (Human Embryonic Kidney) in suspension culture.
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Panserin T3 Panserin T3 is a fully defined, ready-to-use, serum-free complete medium for the cultivation of 3T3 cells in suspension culture.	Panserin ProVero Panserin ProVero is a fully defined, complete serum-free medium ready to use for the cultivation of Vero cells (kidney epithelial cells from African green monkey) in an adherent culture.	Panserin 701 Panserin 701 is a fully defined, complete ready-to-use serum-free medium for the cultivation of lymphocytes from whole blood.	Panserin 801 Panserin 801 is a serum-free, ready-to-use medium for the cultivation of human keratinocytes.	Panserin PX10 Panserin PX10 is a ready-to-use serum-free complete medium for the cultivation of myeloma- and hybridoma cells for the production of monoclonal antibodies.
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Panserin PX40 Panserin PX40 is a ready-to-use complete medium for the serum-free cultivation of a variety of cells.	Spodopan Spodopan is a protein-free medium for an optimized growth of insect cells such as Sf9 and Sf21 (Spodoptera frugiperda) in suspension culture. Insect cells are often used for the industrial production of recombinant proteins.	Panserin S2 Panserin S2 is a protein-free medium for an optimized growth of insect Drosophila S2 cells in suspension culture. Insect cells are widely used for the industrial production of recombinant proteins.	Endopan 300 SL Endopan 300 SL is the first complete medium specially developed for the serum-free in vitro culture of human endothelial cells containing all components necessary for optimal growth.
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Serum-free Stem Cell Media

PAN-Seratech offers a broad range of high quality serum-free stem cell media. You can find more information on the appropriate sites.

Introduction Stem and progenitor cell media Research and development in the field of stem cell biology has been tremendously advanced in the last decade. Today, some cell types are being used in clinical studies or applications and several more are close to being employed in cellular therapy. One important aspect for any application of stem and progenitor cells in patients is the isolation and expansion of these cells under defined conditions. For this purpose, the presence of FBS in such cell cultures is undesirable. PAN-Biotech is offering a full range of serum-free media for stem and progenitor cells for the most important fields of research and development. Some of these stem cell media are free of animal-derived components, enabling the culture of cells in conditions close to clinical application.	PowerStem ESPro1 PowerStem ESPro1 is an easy to use serum-free medium for cultivation of embryonic stem cells of mice (mES cells). These pluripotent cells are derived from blastocysts and they can be established to a permanent cell culture. After injection into blastocysts in chimeras, they can form all tissues, including germ cells. In PowerStem ESPro1, the mES cells largely maintain their undifferentiated state and can be integrated into the germ line.	PowerStem ESPro2 PowerStem ESPro2 is a fully defined, serum-free medium for cultivation and expansion of embryonic stem cells of mice (mES cells). PowerStem ESPro2 is especially designed to proliferate and expand mES cells without differentiation. To differentiate the proliferated mES cells into different cell types the relevant protocols and differentiation factors can be used.
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PowerStem EST PowerStem EST is a fully defined, serum-free system for the cultivation and proliferation of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (mES cells) and their subsequent differentiation into beating myocardial cells (e.g. for the embryonic stem cell test EST). The EST has been formally validated by the European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) as an acceptable in vitro embryotoxicity assay.	PowerStem HE1 PowerStem HE1 is a specialized serum-free medium for the cultivation and expansion of human embryonic stem cells (hES cells). Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into all of the somatic cell types and therefore hold great promise for regenerative medicine. Even after long-term culture, cells maintained on MatrigelTM, Vitronectin or Fibronectin retain a normal karyotype and a stable proliferating rate. PowerStem HE1 basal medium and PowerStem HE1 growth supplements are guaranteed stable for 12 months when properly stored. PowerStem HE1 complete medium (basal + supplements) is stable for 1 month when stored in the dark at 2-8° C. We do not recommend using the complete medium beyond 1 month.	PowerStem HE2 PowerStem HE2 is a specialized serum-free, fully defined medium for cultivation and expansion of human embryonic stem cells (hES cells). Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into all of the somatic cell types and therefore hold great promise for regenerative medicine. Even after long-term culture, cells maintained on Vitronectin or MatrigelTM retain a normal karyotype and a stable proliferating rate.
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PowerStem iPS1 PowerStem iPS1 is a fully defined, specialized serum-free medium for the cultivation and expansion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). Induced pluripotent stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into all of the somatic cell types and therefore hold great promise for regenerative medicine. Even after long-term culture (> 50 passages) iPS cells retain a normal karyotype and a stable proliferating rate.	PowerStem iPS2 PowerStem iPS2 is a specialized serum-free, fully defined medium for cultivation and expansion of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). Human induced pluripotent stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into all of the somatic cell types and therefore hold great promise for regenerative medicine. Even after long-term culture (> 50 passages) iPS cells retain a normal karyotype and a stable proliferating rate.	PowerStem MSC1 PowerStem MSC1 is an easy to use xeno-free medium without animal derived components (ADCF) for cultivation and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). PowerStem MSC1 is especially designed for the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells without differentiation. PowerStem MSC1 supports longterm growth of MSC and preserves their multi-lineage potential. In addition, MSC cultured in PowerStem MSC1 expands faster and shows a significant reduction in hematopoietic cell contamination at early passages compared to serum-based media. To differentiate the proliferated MSC into different cells types the relevant protocols and differentiation factors should be used.
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PowerStem HPSC PowerStem HPSC is a specialized serum-free medium for the cultivation and expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HPSC) and cells of myeloid lineage in suspension culture. Hematopoietic stem cells are CD34+, which are the earliest hematopoietic stem cells identifiable in bone marrow, peripheral blood and neonatal cord blood. By adding one or more differentiation factors or changing culturing conditions, HPSC can be induced to differentiate into different types of hematopoietic lineage cells.	PowerStem PEC1 PowerStem PEC1 is a special medium without animal components (ADCF) for serum-free culture and proliferation of human Progenitor Endothelial Cells (PEC). It is manufactured under the highest standards and quality is checked continously and strictly. PowerStem PEC1 is made from selected raw materials of the highest quality. The medium contains salts, amino acids, trace elements, hormones, growth factors and enriched human proteins derived from human blood in an optimized formulation. Because of this human blood components precipitates may occur in rare cases despite the addition of heparin after prolonged storage. These precipitates consist in most cases of fibrin. Fibrin appears in medium as larger material (up to 1-2 mm) that is visible to the naked eye. the precipitate is often mistaken for microbial contamination. The quality and suitability of the medium in cell culture is thereby in no way limited. Basal medium (without supplements) or complete/ready-to-use medium should not be frozen!
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Serum-free

Systems

Serum-free Systems