FBS Xtra: Sustainable Cell Culture Serum

FBS Xtra: Greater Control, More Defined and Sustainable by Design

Cell culture has changed dramatically since the early 1900s. Researchers first used plasma and embryo extracts to support growth in vitro, but these solutions offered limited consistency. As basal media emerged in the 1950s, scientists quickly realised that cells needed extra support to grow correctly. Consequently, Fetal Bovine Serum became the trusted supplement from the late 1950s onward. However, increasing demand, reduced supply and strict import regulations now challenge its reliability. Prices continue to rise, and many labs struggle with reproducibility and sustainability.

FBS Xtra: A Smarter Approach to Better Cell Culture

FBS Xtra, created by Capricorn Scientific with Frankfurt University, brings a new generation of serum to the lab. It contains less than 50% Fetal Bovine Serum and includes defined supplements such as insulin, transferrin, vitamins and trace elements. These components appear naturally in standard serum, yet FBS Xtra delivers them in controlled, recombinant and highly pure forms. As a result, researchers gain more reliable growth conditions, reduced batch variation and stable pricing.

Xtra Performance and Xtra Sustainability

• Uses less raw serum through defined supplementation
• Incorporates highly pure or recombinant components
• Supports the shift toward animal-free serum systems
• Improves experimental reproducibility
• Reduces waste through consistent batch quality
  
  

FBS Xtra: More Than a Sustainable Design

Defined supplementation gives FBS Xtra a stable composition, which increases reproducibility across lots. Labs no longer need to reserve huge batches or compromise on consistency. Furthermore, many cell lines show improved morphology, higher viability and stronger growth. Researchers also report reduced stress markers, including lower p38 activation, which supports healthier cellular behaviour.

In addition, Capricorn Scientific uses gentle 25 kGy gamma irradiation to achieve clean and biosafe serum. This method removes viruses and mycoplasma without leaving chemical residues.