Help! Antibiotic and Serum Concentration in Cell Culture Media - (Dec/30/2015 )

First, let me say that I agree with the general idea that routine use of antibiotics in cell culture is not recommended. However, in the lab where I work we routinely use 1% antibiotic/antimycotic in media.

Second, I have come across information recommending reducing antibiotic/antimycotic concentration by at least 50% if Serum-Free Media is being used (again, ideally none at all).

Lately we have been trying to differentiate some cells, which calls for the reduction of serum in culture from 10% to 1%. My question is, how much should I reduce my antibiotic/antimycotic concentration if I have to use it? I was originally thinking at least 50% reduction.

Thanks for all your help!

YL

Why not switch to culturing without antibiotics altogether then, or run your experiment in both media (with and without antibiotics) to see whether this induces differences, if your setup allows it?