Alternum optimization and validation to support primary cell growth, an in depth study of cell metabolism and signalling

For a hundred years, fetal bovine serum (FBS) is used for cell culture. Cell culture is a critical tool for understanding life, through research, as well as manufacturing biologics, such as vaccine and lab grown meat. It is also used to reproduce tissue which can be used in human graft. FBS is the fertilizer for cells to grow better in an artificial environment. Though it has been unsurpassed, collecting FBS means sacrificing fetuses and pregnant cows. Alterna develops new media supplements to replace FBS. Primary cells are challenging to grow artificially. Optimizing and validating Alterna’s products to work as well for primary cells through an extensive study including cell metabolism transcriptomic is a major step for Alterna and for replacing FBS in all applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stephane Bolduc

Student:

Partner:

Alterna

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program: