The objective of Fetal Bovine Serum heat inactivation, or inactivation of any other serum, is to destroy complement activity in the serum without affecting the growth-promoting characteristics of the product. Removal of complement activity from serum, such as fetal bovine serum, is not required for most cell cultures but may be necessary for cultures that are sensitive to the complement activity. Since heat inactivation of the serum may, to some extent, decrease the growth performance properties of the serum, this procedure should only be performed if required for optimal cell growth. Researchers should evaluate the applicability of heat inactivation regarding their own application.
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What is FBS heat inactivation?
Heat inactivation is a process that involves heating FBS to deactivate complement proteins without compromising the serum's growth-promoting properties.
When Is Heat Inactivation of FBS Necessary?
Heat inactivation aims to destroy complement activity in the serum without impacting its growth-promoting properties. While most cell cultures don't require the removal of complement activity, it is essential for cultures sensitive to it.
How is FBS heat inactivation performed?
The standard method involves heating the FBS at 56°C for 30 minutes while regularly mixing to ensure uniform heating.
Does heat inactivation affect the quality of FBS?
Properly performed heat inactivation should not affect the growth-promoting properties of FBS. However, improper technique can degrade some of the serum's beneficial components.
What are the alternatives to heat inactivation?
Alternatives include using commercially available pre-inactivated FBS or other treatment methods like filtration to remove complement activity.
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