An animal origin perspective of common constituents of serum-free medium formulations.

Abstract

Serum-free formulations may be << re-engineered >> to eliminate traditional protein constituents and replace their biological function with non-protein substitutes. Non-protein additives may also be obtained from animal sources. Nutrient formulations totally free of exogenous protein and containing no materials of animal origin may be designed for high density cell culture and biological production. Cell-culture medium production requires (i) strict vendor qualification and raw material specifications; (ii) scrupulous maintenance of media kitchen facility and equipment; (iii) monitoring of process water; (iv) air-handling systems and technical personnel; (v) clearly-defined manufacturing protocols to ensure correct formulation and dispensing and (vi) validated sanitization processes to guard against cross-contamination within a multi-use facility.