There are several reasons why researchers and clinicians might opt for serum-free media in histological studies:
1. Consistency and Reproducibility: Serum is a complex mixture with batch-to-batch variability, which can lead to inconsistent experimental results. Serum-free media have defined compositions, offering greater consistency. 2. Reduced Risk of Contamination: Serum can carry viruses, mycoplasma, and other contaminants. Using serum-free media reduces this risk significantly. 3. Ethical Concerns: The use of animal serum raises ethical issues regarding animal welfare. Serum-free media align with the principles of reducing, refining, and replacing animal use in research. 4. Enhanced Control: Researchers can better control the specific components and their concentrations, allowing for more precise experimental conditions.
