What is the B27 supplement?

Cited in thousands of peer-reviewed scientific publications, the B27 supplement is a specialized, serum-free solution developed for supporting the growth and long-term viability of neuronal cells in a laboratory setting. This article clarifies that B27 is a professional research tool, not a human health pill or dietary supplement.

Quick Summary

B27 is a proprietary, serum-free media supplement used in laboratory research to culture neurons and other neural cells. It contains a complex mixture of nutrients, antioxidants, and growth factors.

Key Points

• Lab-Grade Product: B27 is a supplement used exclusively in laboratory settings for cell culture, not a human dietary supplement.

• Neuronal Support: It is specifically formulated to support the growth, survival, and maturation of neurons in a controlled environment.

• Complex Formula: B27 is a mix of over 20 defined components, including vitamins, fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants.

• Serum-Free: It allows researchers to culture cells without the variability and undefined components found in traditional animal serum.

• Used with Basal Media: B27 is not used alone, but is added to a base medium, such as Neurobasal Medium, to create a complete growth environment.

• Promotes Longevity: It is crucial for maintaining the long-term viability of primary neuronal cultures for weeks or months.

• Different Formulations: Variations exist, such as B27 minus Vitamin A or B27 Plus, to suit specific research needs.

What is the B27 Supplement Used For?

The B27 supplement is a key component in neuroscience research, utilized primarily for supporting the growth and survival of neuronal cells in laboratory cultures. It is a defined formulation added to basal media to create a suitable environment for culturing various types of neurons, including embryonic, post-natal, and adult brain neurons, promoting their maturation and network formation.

The Role in Neuronal Development

Neurons in culture require specific nutritional support that standard animal serum cannot consistently provide due to its variable and undefined nature. The B27 formulation addresses this by offering a precise mix of nutrients essential for extensive neurite outgrowth and the development of functional neural networks, which are vital for accurate research into neural function.

Supporting Other Cell Types

Beyond primary neurons, B27 is also useful for culturing other cell types:

• Neural stem cells: Supports proliferation while preventing unwanted differentiation.
• 3D cell cultures: Helps grow complex models like spheroids that mimic in vivo structures.
• Disease modeling: Maintains neural cell viability for extended periods to study neurological conditions.
• Stem cell-derived neurons: Aids in the differentiation and maintenance of neurons from pluripotent stem cells.

Key Ingredients in the B27 Formula

B27 is a complex, defined blend of components designed to work together for cell health. While the exact formula is proprietary, key ingredient categories include:

Core Components of B27

• Vitamins: Such as Biotin, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
• Proteins: Including Insulin, Transferrin, and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA).
• Antioxidant Enzymes: Like Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase, protecting cells from damage.
• Fatty Acids: Such as Linoleic and Linolenic acids for membrane health.
• Other Nutrients: Including Progesterone, Putrescine, and Sodium Selenite.

Variants for Specific Research

Various B27 formulations are available for different experimental needs:

• B27 minus Vitamin A: Used to control stem cell differentiation.
• B27 without Antioxidants: For studying oxidative stress responses.
• B27 without Insulin: For researching insulin signaling pathways.
• B27 Plus: An advanced formula for enhanced cell survival.

B27 vs. N2 and Other Cell Culture Supplements

Researchers compare B27 with other supplements like N2 when selecting media for neural cultures. More information comparing B27 with N2 and other supplements can be found at {Link: Thermo Fisher Scientific https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/brands/gibco/gibco-b-27-supplement.html}.

How B27 Supplement is Used in a Lab Setting

Using B27 involves specific laboratory procedures:

1. Preparation: Typically a 50X concentrate, it is thawed and diluted to 2% in basal medium (like Neurobasal Medium) under sterile conditions.
2. Handling: It must be stored protected from light, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
3. Application: The supplemented medium is used for culturing neural cells on appropriately coated surfaces.
4. Feeding: Regular media changes are necessary to maintain cell health.

A Critical Misconception: B27 is NOT a Dietary Supplement

It is crucial to understand that the B27 supplement is strictly for research use only and is not a product for human consumption. Its formulation and intended use are specific to the laboratory environment for cell culture. Any claims of it being a human health product are based on a misunderstanding of its purpose.

Conclusion

The B27 supplement is essential for modern neuroscience research, providing a consistent and reliable environment for culturing neural cells. Its complex, defined composition supports the growth and survival of neurons and other neural cell types in the lab. Despite its name, it is a specialized research reagent and should not be confused with a human dietary supplement. More information about the B27 supplement can be found on {Link: Thermo Fisher Scientific https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/brands/gibco/gibco-b-27-supplement.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is B27 a vitamin for human consumption?

No, the B27 supplement is a laboratory-grade product designed exclusively for cell culture and is not a vitamin or dietary supplement for human consumption. Ingestion is not recommended.

What is the primary use of the B27 supplement?

Its primary use is to provide a nutrient-rich, serum-free environment for the cultivation of neurons and other neural cell types in a research laboratory setting.

Who manufactures the B27 supplement?

The B27 supplement was originally developed by Dr. Greg Brewer and is most famously associated with the Gibco brand, a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

How is the B27 supplement used in experiments?

In experiments, it is provided as a concentrated liquid that is diluted and added to a basal medium, like Neurobasal Medium, under sterile conditions to feed cultured cells.

What is the difference between the B27 and N2 supplement?

B27 is a more complex formulation than N2, containing additional components like thyroid hormones, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It was developed specifically for primary neurons, while N2 was initially for neuroblastoma cell lines.

Why is B27 called a 'serum-free' supplement?

It is called 'serum-free' because it eliminates the need for undefined animal serum in the culture media, providing researchers with a more consistent and reproducible experimental environment.

What are some of the key ingredients in the B27 supplement?

Key ingredients include antioxidant enzymes, various vitamins (like A and E), proteins (like insulin and transferrin), and fatty acids, all formulated in specific ratios for neural cell survival.