Cell Culture Media
Cell culture technology is rapidly evolving. At first these developments mainly occurred at a laboratory scale, since the culture media requirements for the propagation of animal cells are very complex and in fact are still largely unknown for many cell types. In addition to salts and glucose, these media contain various essential amino acids, peptides and vitamins. Most animal and human cells were believed to require serum and selected growth factors in order to remain viable in culture.
There is however a new trend to develop serum-free media in order to address the industry wide concerns about transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Various test results show that vegetable protein hydrolysates can replace animal-derived media components for the growth of many different cell lines.
The US Food and Drug Administration has strengthened its guidance for BSE protecting systems for the drug industry and encourages and recommends this switch. The first drugs that are produced with vegetable protein hydrolysates are now reaching the market and many more are in various stages of development.
Sheffield™ Bio-Science Ingredients offers a number of specific hydrolysates that can be used:
Further Study
To assist our customers in the selection and use of our hydrolysates for cell culture systems, we have developed a series of application notes. For an application note on a specific product, please contact us.
Center for Cell Culture Technology
Sheffield Bio-Science was first to the market with non-animal-derived protein hydrolysates for serum replacement, general media and system optimization. Our new, state-of-the-art Center for Cell Culture Technology, located near Cornell University, has allowed us to expand our capabilities to meet the changing needs of the cell nutrition market.