@article{6161,
  keywords = {FBS-free, HeLa cells, animal free research, chemically defined media, fetal bovine serum},
  author = {Alexandra Nessar and Viola Röhrs and Mathias Ziersch and Ahmed S. M. Ali and Julia Moradi and Anke Kurreck and Johanna Berg and Jens Kurreck},
  title = {Promoting ethical and reproducible cell culture: implementing animal-free alternatives to teaching in molecular and cell biology},
  abstract = {The widespread use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and other animal-derived reagents in cell culture raises ethical concerns and scientific limitations, including batch variability and undefined composition. To address these challenges and promote the adoption of xeno-free, human-relevant methods, we developed a graduate-level laboratory course based on animal-free workflows. The curriculum covers key molecular and cell biology techniques: HeLa cell culture and passaging, transfection, RNA interference (RNAi), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), dual-luciferase assays, and Western blotting, using reagents selected to exclude animal-derived components. A chemically defined medium (CDM) was optimized for robust HeLa cell growth in the absence of FBS, and recombinant TrypLE was implemented as a substitute for porcine trypsin. Validated non-animal-derived antibodies are also introduced. The course has been successfully piloted and provides a scalable, ethical framework for modern bioscience education. A detailed, open-access protocol enables replication and dissemination. This initiative equips students with practical skills and educational foundation in animal-free methodologies, supporting a shift toward reproducible and ethically responsible biomedical research.},
  year = {2025},
  journal = {Frontiers in Toxicology},
  volume = {7},
  month = {2025-10-01},
  issn = {2673-3080},
  url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2025.1670513/full},
  doi = {10.3389/ftox.2025.1670513},
  language = {English},
}