Biological Industries & Serum-free Cell Culture

Based on high quality cell culture media, Biological Industries goal is to reduce the use of serum in cell culture and to offer working alternatives. In this process, BI has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of serum-free media. In addition, BI offers animal component-free reagents, such as recombinant trypsin.

There are many advantages to switching to serum-free media: In the case of human cells – which may also be intended for clinical trials or therapeutic purposes – the elimination of undefined, non-human components is generally desirable. In addition to the scientifically and economically relevant advantages in regards to the batch consistency, the reduced risk of contamination by mycoplasma, viruses, etc., the price stability as well as the simplified product purification and improved downstream processing, the elimination of serum also focuses on animal welfare and environmental protection.

A reduction in serum consumption makes a considerable contribution to animal welfare and environmental protection. Criticism of the ethically questionable practice of bleeding cattle fetuses alive is becoming louder – and every cell culture user should carefully examine whether a serum-free alternative can be found in his or her case. The switch from classical cell culture to serum-free cell culture is not always easy, but always worthwhile in the long run! We are happy to support you in your efforts!

Serum-free media from BI are available for the following cell lines and cell types: Hybridoma and Myeloma cells, T cells, mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, CHO cells, Vero cells and various adherent cells such as HUVEC’s, HELA or MDCK cells.

For many cell types no adaptation procedures are necessary, in some cases standard weaning procedures (Sequential Adaptation) may be necessary. However, experience has shown that after a certain adaptation period of the cells there are no disadvantages in terms of growth or survival rate.

Product recommendations

Section 1

BIOTARGET-1 w/o L-Glutamine

BIOTARGET-1 is a serum-free, xeno-free medium for the activation and expansion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; lymphocytes and monocytes). Applications of BIOTARGET include cultivation of PBMCs, LAK, TIL, CAR-T generation and expansion, T-cell activation, cytokine production, natural killer (NK) cell generation and tumor detection, as well as macrophage activation. Detailed information on the application of BIOTARGET-1 can be found in this technical data sheet.

In doing so, BIOTARGET-1 offers the following advantages:

  • Xeno-free, chemically defined
  • High growth rates
  • No cytokine addition required
  • Extensive validation studies
  • Produced under cGMP conditions

To be successful in the serum-free growth of adherent cells it is necessary to carefully follow proper procedures and techniques. Avoid storing the growth medium at room temperature for extended periods of time and also avoid prolonged exposure to light. We also recommend reducing the use of antibiotics.

Section 2

BIO-MPM-1,Multi-Purpose SFM, w/o L-Glutamine

BIO-MPM-1 is a serum-free multi-purpose medium with low protein content (< 30 mg/L) for the cultivation of adherent cells. The medium contains no growth factors or hormones other than insulin.

BIO-MPM-1 medium is suitable for a wide range of cells. The medium has been successfully tested on the following cell lines and cell types: HUVECs, MDCK cells, HEK293 cells, HK-2 cells, murine aortic cells, human chondrocytes, human placental trophoblast cells, rat cardiac cells and cardiac fibroblasts, chicken retinal cells, avian epiphyseal chondrocytes, human NK cells, murine neurons, starfish epithelial cells.

Section 3

Low Protein Media BSA-Free (LPM), w/o L-Glutamine

Low Protein Medium is an excellent culture medium for hybridomas and other lymphocytes. By omitting BSA, it has an extremely low protein content of less than 25µg/ml. Low Protein Medium is particularly suitable for the cultivation of myeloma and hybridoma cells, the production of monoclonal antibodies and the culture of human lymphocyte cells (including stimulated or transformed cells).

Section 4

NutriVero™ Flex 10

NutriVero™ Flex 10 for the cultivation of Vero cells is a chemically defined, serum-free and animal ingredient-free medium optimized for both monolayer cultures and microcarrier suspension cultures. NutriVero™ Flex 10 is suitable for a wide range of applications, from viral and recombinant protein production to large-scale cell cultivation.

The advantages:

  • Optimal for the production of various viral vaccines (incl. measles, enterovirus, polio)
  • Reduced risk of contamination
  • Lot-to-lot consistency
  • Suitable for 2D and 3D cultures
  • Chemically defined: no plant or animal components
  • Very low protein concentration

Section 5

Recombinant Trypsin EDTA solution

Biological Industries’ recombinant trypsin EDTA solution is chemically defined and free of animal components. It is an optimized enzyme reagent for cell detachment that maximizes the yield of functionally viable cells. The recombinant trypsin recovery process means that no contaminating proteases (such as carboxypeptidase A and chymotrypsin, commonly found in porcine or bovine trypsin solutions) are present in the product, making it suitable for sensitive cells. In addition, the recombinant trypsin EDTA solution eliminates the risk of viruses and other potential contaminants that may be present in components of animal origin.

It is designed for efficient dissociation of (sensitive) adherent cell types from culture surfaces and tissues. In this process, the EDTA component accelerates the dissociation action of the trypsin enzyme.

The advantages:

  • Defined, free of animal components
  • Ready to use
  • Pure, recombinant trypsin – without contaminating proteases
  • Reduced risk of contamination
  • Accelerated enzymatic action
  • Compatible with cells cultured in both serum-free and serum-containing media

Bestsellers

Recombinant Trypsin EDTA solutionanimal component-freeshop
BIO-MPM-1Multi-Purpose SFM, w/o L-Glutamineshop
Low Protein MediaBSA-Freeshop
BioTarget-1w/o L-Glutamineshop