Optimization of FBS substitute for in vitro cell culture using Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima extract

Abstract

Serum is an essential component of cellular growth medium and consists of complex mixture of low- and high-molecular weight biomolecules required for cellular growth and maintenance. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is extensively used in cell culture medium and its requirement is being increased. Several alternatives of FBS in the form of goat, horse and human serum were not successfully tested. Present study was conducted to test spirulina animal cell culture solution (SACCS) as an alternative of FBS in lung cancer cell line (H460) and cervical cell line (HeLa). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimum conditions of 2 factors: SACCS concentration (X1) and FBS:SACCS ratio (X2). Each variable to be optimized was coded at 5 levels: -2, -1, 0, 1, and 2. These levels of independent variables were selected based on the values obtained in preliminary experiments in our previous study. In this study, it was observed that the optimal culture conditions required to achieve the optimum growth of two cell lines were SACCS concentration of 1X and FBS:SACCS ratio of 30:70 in H460 cells while SACCS concentration of 0.16X and FBS:SACCS ratio of 66:34 in HeLa cells. The actual results were plotted against the predicted results, showing good agreement between the values. Also cell lines cultured in SACCS exhibited comparable cell cycle, apoptosis and metabolites in FBS control. This results suggested that the alternative is sustainable and affordable with no ethical concerns as an alternative to FBS in cell culture systems.