Cell freezing medium (FBS + 10% DMSO) recipe
Cryoprotective medium for storing cells in liquid nitrogen: 90% FBS + 10% DMSO.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| FBS (fetal bovine serum) | 9 mL | 90% |
| DMSO (cell-culture grade) | 1 mL | 10% |
Steps
- Add DMSO slowly to the FBS and mix (it warms slightly).
- Chill to 4 °C before use (make fresh on the day).
- Resuspend the cell pellet at 1–5 × 10⁶ cells/mL and dispense into cryovials.
- Cool at about −1 °C/min (freezing container at −80 °C overnight), then transfer to liquid nitrogen.
Good to know
- To save serum, 70% medium + 20% FBS + 10% DMSO is widely used.
⚠ Safety DMSO carries other chemicals through skin — wear gloves.
FAQ
How do I thaw?
Thaw quickly at 37 °C, dilute into 10 mL warm medium, spin to remove DMSO, then plate.
This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.