Serum is the blood component that can be obtained after coagulation and by removing cellular components. Besides serum proteins it contains, e.g. growth factors, amino acids and hormones. This comprehensive mix makes serum one of the most important supplements, supporting cells to grow and proliferate in in vitro cell culture.
Of special interest is the fetal bovine serum (FBS). It is especially rich in growth factors and is particularly low in antibodies, which may influence the cell culture work.