Knockout™ Serum Replacement (Knockout™ SR) is a defined, serum-free formulation used to support the growth of undifferentiated ES (Embryonic Stem Cells) and iPS (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) in culture. It directly replaces FBS in existing protocols.
One of the most important parameters surrounding ES cell culture is the maintenance of ES cells in an undifferentiated state. Until now, FBS was the only option for nutritive supplementation of ES and iPS cell media. Unfortunately, FBS also contains factors which can promote differentiation of ES cells. Thus, each lot must be screened prior to use. In addition, each lot of FBS is different from the last one, or the next one, so screening is a continuous task.
Since FBS screening is laborious and costly, once a suitable lot has been identified, a sufficient quantity is purchased and stored to meet laboratory needs, tying up both laboratory funds and storage space. Additionally, there are issues surrounding hemoglobin and endotoxin levels in FBS.
All of the drawbacks of serum supplemented ES cell culture, including heat-inactivation of FBS, can be alleviated with the use of KnockOut™ SR, Serum Replacement for Embryonic Stem Cells and Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. KnockOut™ SR is a defined formulation that will provide you with consistent growth conditions for your ES and iPS cell cultures.
ES and iPS cells grown in KnockOut™ SR-supplemented media are substantially less differentiated than those grown in FBS-supplemented media, and germline transmission is not compromised in the least. The performance of KnockOut™ SR is further enhanced when used in conjunction with KnockOut™ DMEM, a special basal medium designed specifically for ES and iPS cell culture.
We also offer theKnockOut™ ESC/iPSC Media Kit,an entire media system for feeder-based culture of pluripotent stem cells in one product.