Utilization of whey fractions as a substitute for fetal calf serum in culture media

A dairy by-product was used in cell line cultures as a replacement for fetal calf serum (FCS). Various fractions were prepared from whey. All fractions have the ability to stimulate DNA synthesis in human and mouse 3T3 fibroblast and hybridoma cultures. They also allow hybridoma proliferation in the long term using only 0.5% FCS. In these latter experiments, heated and ultrafiltered fractions were more effective than 10% fetal calf serum.