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A simple endpoint dilution method for evaluating serum used for cell culture.
Journal of Biological Standardization
|October 1, 1985
Summary
This study introduces a simple endpoint dilution assay to assess fetal calf serum quality. The method quantifies serum
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
- Quality Control
Background:
- Fetal calf serum (FCS) is crucial for cell culture.
- Assessing FCS quality is vital for reproducible research.
- Existing methods can be complex or time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a straightforward method for evaluating FCS quality.
- To provide a quantitative measure of serum's cell growth-promoting ability.
Main Methods:
- A simple endpoint dilution assay using microtitre trays.
- Serial doubling dilutions of cells with test sera.
- Incubation for 5-6 days followed by crystal violet staining.
- Macroscopic reading of endpoints to determine cell coverage.
Main Results:
- The assay provides a reproducible measure of serum quality.
- Results correlate with the serum's capacity to support cell growth.
- Endpoint determination is based on approximately 50% cell coverage.
Conclusions:
- The described method offers a simple, effective way to evaluate FCS quality.
- This assay aids in selecting high-quality serum for cell culture applications.
- It provides a quantitative metric for serum's biological activity.