Mammalian Cell Culture: The Use of Serum-Free Hormone-Supplemented Media

The advantages of obtaining a completely defined environment for the growth of cells in vitro were recognized very early in the history of cell culture (Lewis and Lewis, 1911). Continued interest in the nutritional requirements of cells in vitro and in providing an optimal environment for cells led to the development of the complex nutrient mixtures available today in many media (Waymouth, 1972; Ham, 1965). However, serum remained an essential component of medium for the growth of most cell...