성장인자(growth factor)들은 영양성분이라기 보다는 성장 촉진 인자로 첨가되어지며  
serum-free media, protein-free media나 혈청이 감소된 저혈청 배지에 첨가제로 사용되어진다.  
또한 일부 세포주와 초대 세포 배양에 사용되어지기도 한다. 
아래표는 성장인자, 사이토카인, 호르몬의 종류와 사용 농도를 나타내었다.


Growth Factors/Cytokines/Hormones

Abbreviation Full name, properties and functions Recommended concentration  AGIF  Adipogenesis Inhibitory Factor(see IL-11)    BCDF  B-cell Differentiation Factor(see IL-1α and IL-4)    BCDF-2  B-cell Differentiation Factor 2(see IL-6)    BCGF-1  B-cell Growth Factor(see IL-4)    BCGF-2  B-cell Growth Factor (see IL-5)    BPE  Bovine Pituitary ExtractAqueous extract from bovine pituitaries containing basic FGF, hormones and attachment factors.Originally developed as a mitogen for vascular endothelial cells.Stimulates the growth of human prokeratinocytes and thymic, bronchial and mammary epithelial cells.Used as defined supplement in some serum-free media.Source: From bovine pituitary 25 - 100 μg/ml  BSF-1  B-cell Stimulatory Factor (see IL-4)