Description
Serum is the blood component that is obtained after coagulation and removal of cellular components. Besides serum proteins, it contains, e.g. growth factors, amino acids, and hormones. This complex mixture makes serum one of the most important supplements supporting the cells growth and proliferation for in vitro cell culture. Of special interest is the Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). It is especially rich in growth factors and is particularly low in antibodies that may negatively influence the cell culture work. It supports most cell lines and undergoes strict quality controls. Capricorn Scientific has established process parameters and controls for maximum inactivation of contaminants by an innovative gamma irradiation process in small-sized boxes at 25 – 35 kGy. When FBS bottles are arranged in a pallet during gamma irradiation, high irradiation doses (58 kGy) are necessary to irradiate the centrally located bottles with the required dose (>30 kGy). This and the associated higher temperatures may affect the serum quality. If the irradiation is performed in single boxes, the maximum dose of irradiation does not exceed 38.7 kGy. Gentle irradiation as used by Capricorn Scientific is less likely to affect final serum quality.
