I am trying to transfect (lipofectin mediated) a ChoK1 cell line. The current protocol I am using a protocol uses RPMI and FCS. I just read on your site that animal components yeild unpredictable results. I was wondering if this applies to the serum used as well? I am trying to optimize antibody production from the cell line.
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Serum, Methods and Considerations for Use
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Most transection reagents recommend transfecting in serum reduced or serum free medium. There are some that are advertised to be equally as effective in the presence or absence of serum. I would be inclined to transfect serum-free to be on the safe side. Unfortunately the only way to prove anything is through testing. If this was going to become a model for transfection that would be done routinely, it might be worth investing the time. If the transfection is specific to a short-term project, it may not be worth the effort – just go serum free to reduce the number of variables. The cell line you are working with is relatively robust and should be able to take a period of serum free transfection fairly well.
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