What does the in vitro cell culturing process look like?

Fundamentals of in vitro cell culturing

In vitro cell culture is one of the most important techniques used in biology and biotechnology, enabling research on cells in controlled laboratory conditions. This process allows for the observation of cell behavior, analysis of their response to various factors and their use in research on new therapies. This technique is used in regenerative medicine, pharmacology, molecular biology and tissue engineering. Conducting cultures requires maintaining sterility, appropriate environmental conditions and the use of high-quality laboratory equipment.

In vitro cultured cells can come from animal or human organisms and can be isolated from tissues or expanded from cell lines. This process requires the use of specialized laboratory vessels, such as Petri dishes, Erlenmeyer flasks, and multiwell plates, which provide an appropriate environment for cell growth and proliferation. Another important element is the culture medium, which provides the cells with the necessary nutrients and growth factors.

Modern in vitro cell culture requires the use of precise techniques and modern laboratory equipment that provides optimal conditions for cell multiplication. Among other things, laboratories use Erlenmeyer flasks, which enable effective mixing and maintaining appropriate cultivation conditions.

In vitro cell culture stages

Cell isolation and preparation

The first step in in vitro cell culture is their isolation from the body. Depending on the cell type, this process may involve enzymatic or mechanical digestion of the tissue to release individual cells. The isolated cells are then purified and transferred to appropriate culture vessels.

Cell culture requires providing them with an appropriate environment. The culture medium must contain nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and growth factors that support cell proliferation and maintenance of biological functions. Different types of media are used in laboratories depending on the specific requirements of the cells.

To ensure sterility and safety of the culture, the cells are stored in incubators maintained at 37°C and an appropriate level of carbon dioxide. These conditions replicate the body's physiological environment, which allows the cells to function optimally.

Cell multiplication and passage

After the cells have been inoculated onto the culture medium, they begin to multiply. Depending on the type of culture, the cells can grow as a suspension or adhere to the surface of the culture vessels. As the number of cells increases, it is necessary to passage them, i.e. transfer them to new vessels in order to continue the culture.

Passaging is essential to maintaining cells in a proliferative state and preventing them from senescing. This process involves separating cells from their substrate using enzymes such as trypsin and returning them to fresh medium.

When multiplying cells, it is extremely important to use high-quality culture vessels, such as Petri dishes, which provide appropriate conditions for cell growth and division.

Monitoring and analysis of breeding

Cell culture requires continuous monitoring of their condition and growth rate. For this purpose, optical and fluorescent microscopes are used, which allow for the assessment of cell morphology and detection of possible changes. Biochemical analyses are also carried out in laboratories, which allow for the assessment of cell function and their response to various factors.

An important element of cell culture analysis is the evaluation of gene and protein expression. For this purpose, PCR and RT-qPCR techniques are used, which allow for precise determination of the level of activity of specific genes. High-quality PCR and RT-qPCR plates, which ensure accurate and repeatable results.

In vitro cell culture applications

In vitro cell culture It is widely used in various fields of science and medicine. It is used in research on new drugs, assessment of the toxicity of chemical substances, pharmacological tests and research on gene and cell therapies. Cells grown in laboratory conditions are also used in regenerative medicine, where they serve as a material for the reconstruction of tissues and organs.

In biotechnology, cell culture is used to produce recombinant proteins, antibodies, and vaccines. These processes require the use of precise culture techniques that ensure high yield and biological purity of the obtained products.

Modern laboratories use a variety of vessels and consumables that facilitate work with cell cultures. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the wide range of products dedicated to cell culture available at Googlab Labs.

Summary

In vitro cell culture is a key technique used in biological and medical research, allowing for controlled multiplication of cells in laboratory conditions. This process includes cell isolation, multiplication and passage, monitoring and biological analysis. The laboratories use high-quality culture vessels, media and equipment for genetic analysis, which provide appropriate conditions for cell growth. The use of cell culture includes scientific research, diagnostics, regenerative medicine and biotechnology, and modern technologies enable conducting increasingly advanced experiments. If you want to learn more about the techniques used in cell culture, we invite you to read the articles on Googlabsci blog, where experts share their knowledge about modern methods of working with in vitro cells.