Hello Alina Makeeva

Yes, you can use FBS instead of BSA. You may use 0.5-1% BSA or 5-10% FBS.

Best

It depends on the cell model you are using. Some cells grow much better in an environment with FBS, because FBS, in addition to higher protein (about 10% more), also contains other factors such as growth factors, nutrients, and hormones. But BSA is more economical.

You're right! The choice between FBS (fetal bovine serum) and BSA (bovine serum albumin) largely depends on the cell line and experimental needs. FBS is rich in growth factors, hormones, and nutrients that support cell proliferation and maintenance, making it ideal for promoting the growth of many cell lines. Its high protein content and these additional factors often give cells a better environment for robust growth.

On the other hand, BSA provides primarily albumin without the broader range of nutrients and growth factors found in FBS. While it's significantly more economical, BSA alone might not support cell lines as effectively as FBS. For this reason, BSA is often used in applications where cells require less specific support or in situations where FBS is cost-prohibitive and less critical to the experiment's outcome.

Alina Makeeva @Thanks