Choice animal-component-free reagents and human cell lines
Serum-free
Culture media or reagents that exclude serum, but may contain proteins or protein fractions, of animal or vegetable origin, and are considered chemically undefined. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) raises serious ethical concerns due to its extraction from bovine fetuses, often via cardiac puncture without anesthesia. Its use supports animal exploitation, lacks transparency, and poses variability risks in research.
Human-based
Culture media or reagents that use components of human origin provide an alternative to products of non-human animal origin. Under ethical and legalized conditions, stem cells, adult tissues, or human fluids can be isolated to generate banks of cell lines, specific proteins, and growth factors used in cell culture.
Xeno-free are reagents without non-human components, may include human proteins.
Animal product-free
Culture media or reagents that do not contain any animal component, human or otherwise. They are produced by methods such as recombinant production, which creates essential proteins in non-animal systems; plant sources for necessary nutrients; and the chemical synthesis of hormones and supplements. Transitioning to animal-free alternatives enhances scientific reproducibility while aligning with ethical and humane research standards.
Chemically Defined
Reagents chemically defined or chemically defined recombinant are fully defined inputs or with proteins produced by recombinant technology. Chemically defined or recombinant reagents contain precisely known components, enhancing reproducibility, safety, and eliminating animal-derived variability in scientific applications.
HumanE Sumus® is a smart database that helps researchers identify animal-free reagents and human-based cell culture inputs. It offers curated, up-to-date information to support ethical, high-performance science and simplify the transition to cruelty-free research.
