Fetal bovine serum reagent

for cell culturefor stem cellsassayed

Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. The stem cells can be maintained in vitro for extended periods without loss of their capacity to differentiate to all cell lineages when reimplanted back into a blastocyst. ES cells may differentiate in vitro to a variety of cell types including neuronal, muscle, endothelial and hematopoietic progenitors. General culture conditions are well established and usually require ES cells to be grown on an inactive feeder cell layer or with basement membrane components (Matrigel, Fibronectin, Laminin). When growing ES cells, one of the most important parameters is the maintenance of the cells in the undifferentiated state. Pre-screening of the serum is essential before using it for the culture of ES cells. Various lots of sera are screened for the growth of Human ES cells using MEF's as a feeder layer. The following parameters are measured for the screening: Human ES cells colony morphology Plating efficiency Differentiation rate: analysis of Human ES cells surface marker expressed on the undifferentiated cells membrane (FACS analysis). The results are used as an indication of the quality of sera for the growth and maintenance of undifferentiated stem cells. Thawing We recommend thawing the serum at 2-8ºC. However, if necessary, you may thaw the serum at room temperature. Swirl the bottles gently to mix the serum during the thawing process.