Abstract
The effect of basic polymers on cell growth was investigated with Yoshida ascites sarcoma cells cultured in "serum-free" medium containing a small amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids). Basic polymers per se had little, if any, effect on cellular growth, but when added with appropriate amounts of BSA and fatty acids, basic polymers synergistically induced a marked cellular proliferation. Among basic polymers studied so far, the highly basic poly-L-arginine and polyethyleneimine were most effective. The optimal concentrations of basic compounds for cell growth enhancement decreased in inverse proportion to their molecular weight.
