Use of plasma protein fractions as serum substitutes for in vitro cell culture

Fractions produced during routine production of human plasma protein concentrates using cold ethanol precipitation have been tested for their ability to support animal cell growth in vitro. A mouse-mouse hybridoma cell line, ES-6, which secretes a monoclonal antibody (mab) to human group A red blood cell antigen, has been used as a model. Fraction 4-1 protein has been found to be effective at 0.5-1.0 g/l in RPMI 1640 and has supported growth of ES-6 for 18 months, both growth and mab. production being comparable with that achieved in 10% foetal calf serum. Fraction 4-1 protein has been shown to contain albumin, transferrin, alpha-1 antitrypsin and immunoglobulin. It is reported to be a source of somatomedin C. The immunoglobulin content can be reduced. Other mouse and rat hybridomas, human mab. producing lymphoblastoid cells, Namalva and HEP-2 cells have grown well in medium supplemented with Fraction 4-1 protein.