FCS-free database: biomedical research without animal material
In the FCS-free database of the 3Rs Centre Utrecht, researchers can find alternatives to the use of FCS (Foetal Calf Serum). In this way, animal-free research also becomes animal-free research.
Ethical and scientific concerns
For biomedical research such as animal-free research with human cells, researchers often use Fetal Calf Serum (FCS, also known as Fetal Bovine Serum, or FBS) as a growth supplement to culture cells, cell lines or cell-based organoids.
However, there are major animal welfare concerns associated with the production of FCS, as it is harvested from fetuses during the slaughter of pregnant cows. In addition, there are multiple scientific concerns associated with the use of FCS.
Phasing out FCS for cell culture and medical research
Together, these ethical and scientific concerns make it urgent to phase out the use of FCS for cell culture. The FCS-free Database provides researchers with an overview and a search tool for commercially available alternative cell culture supplements and FCS-free media, as well as alternative medium compositions described in scientific literature.
3Rs Tools Programme
The FCS-free Database is part of the 3Rs Tools Programme together with the Interspecies Database and the Humane Endpoints website. These platforms are managed and hosted by the 3Rs Centre Utrecht, and are dedicated to facilitating researchers to replace, reduce and refine animal experiments.
The 3Rs Tools Programme is funded by the Triodos Fund and Proefdiervrij, among others, and facilitated with support from Utrecht University. Further support has also been received in recent years from Danone and the Centre for Human Specific Research.