Should I Heat Inactivate Fbs?

In past years, Coriell used all heat-inactivated serum for its cell cultures to inactivate the complement protein found in newborn calf serum. Since we have changed to fetal bovine serum, we find that heat inactivation is not necessary for most cell lines.

How long do you heat inactivate FBS?

The following protocol is suggested for the heat inactivation of fetal bovine serum ( FBS ). FBS is heated to 56± 2°C for 30± 2 minutes in agitating water-bath. Heat Inactivation (HI) – a process by which FBS is maintained at a temperature of 56± 2° for 30± 2 minutes.

Why is heat inactivation necessary for FBS before use?

A common treatment of FBS is heat-inactivation, where FBS is heated at 56°C for 30 minutes in a water bath with occasional shaking. The purpose is to inactivate whatever components of the complement system are present in the FBS [24], and other potential unknown inhibitors of cell growth.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.