Bovine serum albumin (BSA or Fraction V) is a blood-derived globular protein sourced from fetal bovines. BSA is a component of fetal bovine serum and is considered to be a universal blocking reagent; it is the most commonly used biologic in life science applications because of its stability and and lack of interference with other biologicals.
Each batch of serum meets the USDA standards for animal products, Biologos’ standard for raw materials, is traceable to date and collection location, and is processed using:
- Sterile filtering
- Irradiation
- Heat inactivation
BSA applications include, but are not limited to:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Additional Information:
What is BSA?
How is BSA Made?
BSA Storage and Handling
BSA Uses
What is BSA?
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), is a nutrient-rich fluid derived from the blood of bovine fetuses- but does not contain red blood cells or other clotting components. FBS is composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA), a globular-protein and other proteins that support the growth, survival, and division of cultured cells.
How is Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Made?
Bovine Serum Albumin is a by-product of the cattle industry and is obtained from bovines.
Biologos’ quality control testing, tests for microbiological abnormalities, such as the presence of bacterial, fungal, and mycoplasma contamination and viruses. Serum is also tested for adventitious agents using modified procedures from the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Section 113.53 (“Requirements for Ingredients of Animal Origin”). Once the absence of contamination has been confirmed and approved, batches of serum are prepared for the packaging and distribution process.
The packaging process begins with serum being thawed under controlled conditions and sterile filtered. Sterile filtration involves the serums being filtered through a series of filters in descending pore size, utilizing 0.1 micron filters for the final filtration step. Filling takes place in a laminar flow hood and a certified clean room to maintain ISO Class 5 conditions. The serum is aseptically dispensed into gamma irradiated, sterile PETG or HDPE bottles. Filled containers are then labeled, frozen, and maintained at temperatures less than -5°C to preserve the product quality.
BSA Storage and Handling
The Bovine Serum Albumin can be supplied in gamma irradiated, sterile PETG or HDPE bottles and LDPE bioprocess bags (20-100 liter capacity). We recommend that the BSA be stored frozen at a temperature of -5°C to -20°C. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles of the BSA should be avoided as this may lead to deterioration of the product. Always use aseptic techniques when handling the serum and aliquot into sterile containers.
BSA Uses
Bovine Serum Albumin has several industry applications in the fields of Immunology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, the most common applications are:
BSA is most commonly used to stabilize enzymes and in the Bradford Protein Assay.
