Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS): Uses, Cost, and Applications in the Lab

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Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS): Uses, Cost, and Applications in the Lab



Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is one of the most widely used supplements in cell culture and molecular biology labs around the world. But what exactly is it, why is it so expensive, and how do scientists use it? In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about FBS, including its applications and how to obtain it safely for research purposes.

What is Fetal Bovine Serum?

Fetal bovine serum is the blood serum derived from the fetuses of cows during the early stages of pregnancy. It is rich in growth factors, hormones, and nutrients that promote the survival, growth, and proliferation of cells in vitro.

In short, FBS acts as a nutrient-rich supplement that mimics the natural environment for cultured cells, making it indispensable for many types of laboratory experiments.

Why is Fetal Bovine Serum So Expensive?

FBS is costly due to several factors:

  1. Complex Collection Process – Serum is harvested from fetuses under strict ethical and sterile conditions, which requires specialized equipment and trained personnel.

  2. Screening and Quality Control – Every batch is tested for sterility, endotoxins, and performance in cell culture, adding to production costs.

  3. Limited Supply – FBS comes from fetal calves, which are a finite resource. Only a small fraction of fetal blood can be used to produce high-quality serum.

  4. Transportation and Storage – FBS must be transported and stored at ultra-low temperatures to preserve its bioactive components.

Because of these factors, high-quality FBS can cost hundreds of dollars per liter.

How to Obtain Fetal Bovine Serum

FBS is commercially available from several laboratory reagent suppliers. Here are key considerations:

  • Source Reputable Suppliers – Only purchase FBS from trusted companies that provide documentation on sterility, endotoxin levels, and ethical sourcing.

  • Choose the Right Grade – FBS comes in different grades, such as research grade, certified, or premium. Select based on your experimental needs and budget.

  • Storage – FBS should be stored at -20°C or -80°C, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Applications of Fetal Bovine Serum

FBS is a cornerstone in cell culture and molecular biology research. Some common applications include:

  1. Mammalian Cell Culture – Provides essential nutrients for growing cell lines, including stem cells, cancer cells, and primary cells.

  2. Protein Expression Studies – Supports cells used for recombinant protein production.

  3. Vaccine Development – Used as a supplement in media for propagating viruses or producing vaccines.

  4. Tissue Engineering – Supplies growth factors for tissue scaffolds and regenerative medicine research.

  5. Drug Testing and Toxicology – Ensures cells survive during in vitro experiments to test drug effects.

Final Thoughts

Fetal bovine serum is expensive but essential for many laboratory applications due to its nutrient-rich composition and ability to support cell growth. Understanding its uses, sourcing, and storage is crucial for any biologist working with cell culture.

✅ Pro tip: Always check the batch documentation for endotoxin levels and sterility before using FBS in sensitive experiments.

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