Estimation of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Ovarian Stem Cells With and Without the Use of Additives Replacing Fetal Bovine Serum

Ovarian stem cells (OSCs) are a promising tool for reproductive regeneration, but ethical concerns surrounding fetal bovine serum (FBS) use have prompted the search for viable alternatives. This study estimates alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity-a pluripotency marker-in two OSC lines (OTC-5, OTC-7) cultured with FBS and with potential replacements: cord blood serum (CB), follicular fluid (FF), and pooled platelet lysate (PP). ALP activity was quantified using a colorimetric p-nitrophenyl phosphate assay. Results show that FF and PP can maintain or slightly improve ALP activity compared to controls, supporting their feasibility as xeno-free culture additives for OSCs.