Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: with growth factors, hormones, and other nutrients is achieved most often by supplementing culture media with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Despite its nearly ubiquitous use, there are major reproducibility, safety, and animal welfare issues arguing the need to replace FBS. Fortunately, numerous FBS replacements have been validated and are publicly or commercially available, making it possible to leave FBS behind. Successful serum-free, animal-component-free, and chemically defined media applications are highlighted in this review for the cultivation of stem cells and organoids, the development of organ-on-a-chip systems, the bioprinting of tissues, and the production of cultivated meat, antibodies, and vaccines, including the conduct of cytotoxicity tests and the cryopreservation of cells. Moreover, the use of fully animal-free models and methodologies is further discussed to promote their broader acceptance and adoption within the global scientific research and development community. In this regard, this review discusses novel avenues to address the scientific and practical hurdles that might limit a full transition from FBS to fully defined cell culture media and offers a brief perspective on potential future directions.
Source: Frontiers in Toxicology
Institutions: Akademie für Tierschutz des Deutschen Tierschutzbundes e.V., Technical University of Denmark, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, University of Trento, University of Central Florida, Heidelberg University, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, cellasys know-how (Germany), Technical University of Munich, Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Joint Research Centre, Lund University
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W4413248129