Standardization of serum free media for cryopreservation of RK13 cells.

Foetal calf serum present in the media used for cryopreservation was replaced by various synthetic polymer such as gelatin, glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose and dimethyl sulphoxide at various concentration. Growth pattern of cells, % survival and karyological studies have been done in the present study. It was found that optimum concentration of carboxymethyl cellulose was 0.1% in combination with 10% glycerol and 10% DMSO. At this concentration percentage survival of cells was found maximum and karyotype was found normal without any abnormality in the chromosomes. It was concluded from the study that serum free media can be employed for the cryopreservation of these cells which are further used for production of tissue culture vaccines without causing any adverse affects.