Cultured cells

Cultured Cells
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Overview

Cultured cells are cells that are grown under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment. This process is known as cell culture, and it is a fundamental technique in biological research, biotechnology, and medicine. Cultured cells are used for a variety of purposes, including the study of cellular mechanisms, drug development, and the production of biological compounds.

History

The history of cell culture dates back to the early 20th century. The first successful culture of animal cells was achieved by Ross Granville Harrison in 1907. The development of cell culture techniques advanced significantly with the introduction of the HeLa cell line in 1951, which was the first immortal human cell line.

Types of Cultured Cells

Cultured cells can be broadly categorized into two types:

Primary Cells

Primary cells are directly isolated from living tissues and have a limited lifespan in culture. They closely mimic the physiological state of cells in vivo, making them valuable for studying normal cell biology and disease mechanisms.

Cell Lines

Cell lines are cells that have been adapted to grow indefinitely in culture. They are derived from primary cells that have undergone transformation or have been immortalized. Cell lines are widely used in research due to their ease of maintenance and reproducibility.

Applications

Cultured cells have numerous applications in various fields:

Research

Cultured cells are used to study cellular processes such as cell division, signal transduction, and gene expression. They provide a controlled environment to investigate the effects of various stimuli on cells.

Drug Development

In the pharmaceutical industry, cultured cells are used for high-throughput screening of potential drug candidates. They allow researchers to assess the efficacy and toxicity of compounds before proceeding to animal or human trials.

Biotechnology

Cultured cells are employed in the production of biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. They are also used in the development of vaccines and gene therapy products.

Regenerative Medicine

In regenerative medicine, cultured cells are used to develop tissue engineering and stem cell therapy approaches. They hold promise for treating a variety of conditions, including degenerative diseases and injuries.

Techniques

Several techniques are employed in the culture of cells:

Media and Supplements

Cells are grown in a nutrient-rich medium that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and growth factors. The composition of the medium can be tailored to the specific needs of the cell type being cultured.

Culture Conditions

Cells are typically cultured in an incubator that maintains optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. Adherent cells require a suitable surface for attachment, while suspension cells grow freely in the medium.

Passaging

Passaging, or subculturing, involves transferring cells from a crowded culture to a new vessel to provide more space and nutrients. This process is essential for maintaining healthy cell growth and preventing senescence.

Challenges

Culturing cells presents several challenges, including:

Contamination

Contamination by bacteria, fungi, or mycoplasma can compromise cell cultures. Strict aseptic technique is required to prevent contamination.

Genetic Drift

Over time, cell lines can undergo genetic changes that may alter their characteristics. Regular authentication and characterization of cell lines are necessary to ensure experimental validity.

Future Directions

Advancements in cell culture technology continue to expand the possibilities for research and therapeutic applications. Innovations such as 3D cell culture, organ-on-a-chip systems, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are paving the way for more sophisticated and accurate models of human biology.

See Also

• Tissue culture
• Stem cells
• Bioreactor

External Links

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