Platelet lysate: a replacement for fetal bovine serum in animal cell culture?

A new cell culture supplement, platelet lysate, was evaluated with reference to fetal bovine serum (FBS), an established industrial medium for animal cell culture. Chemical and bacteriological profiles were conducted including the presence of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). PDGF was detected in the platelet lysate but it was not present in FBS. The platelet lysate medium demonstrated lack of microorganisms, mycoplasma and endotoxins. The platelet lysate was investigated in culture studies (cell growth, viability and product formation) towards a number of target cells including myelomas, hybridomas, hepatocytes, fibroblasts and epithelial cells. In general the platelet lysate medium supported cell growth and maintained viabilities comparable or superior to fetal bovine serum. Productivity studies of antibodies (hybridomas) and transferrin (hepatocytes) showed similar or enhanced production in platelet-derived medium in comparison with FBS.