Low calcium levels in serum-free media maintain chondrocyte phenotype in monolayer culture and reduce chondrocyte aggregation in suspension culture

The serum-free 50 μM and 1 mM calcium media provide good alternatives to classical media for monolayer culture since both growth and chondrocyte phenotype were maintained. In suspension culture, the serum-free 1 mM calcium medium also possesses the beneficial properties of limiting aggregate size while maintaining growth and phenotype.