Merck, B7447-1000ML, Bovine Calf Serum

Animal serum is commonly used to supplement basal media formulations for the optimal growth of many cell types in vitro. Bovine Calf Serum (BCS) is collected from calves that are less than 12 months old. The serum contains approximately double the protein of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). BCS will promote growth in a variety of mammalian cell lines and is often used as a cost effective substitute for FBS. Gamma irradiation has been shown to inactivate up to six logs of many biological contaminants in serum while maintaining growth promotion potential, providing added confidence in the quality and performance of the serum. The standard gamma irradiation of Sigma-Aldrich serum includes exposure under controlled conditions to a ⁶⁰Co source with a delivered dose of 25 - 35 kGy.