Definition
Cell culture is a laboratory technique that involves the growth and maintenance of cells derived from multicellular organisms in an artificial, controlled environment, typically using nutrient-rich media and sterile conditions.
Overview
The method enables researchers to study cellular processes, genetics, pharmacology, toxicology, and disease mechanisms in vitro. Cells can be sourced from animal tissues (primary cultures), established cell lines that proliferate indefinitely, or stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types. Cultured cells are employed in basic research, drug discovery, vaccine production, and biotechnological applications such as recombinant protein synthesis.
Etymology/Origin
The term combines “cell,” referring to the fundamental structural and functional unit of living organisms, with “culture,” derived from the Latin cultura meaning “cultivation” or “tending.” The practice emerged in the early 20th century, notably after Ross G. Harrison’s successful cultivation of frog heart cells in 1907, which laid the groundwork for modern cell culture techniques.
Characteristics
- Media composition: Typically includes basal nutrients (amino acids, vitamins, salts), energy sources (glucose), growth factors, and serum or defined supplements to support cell viability and proliferation.
- Environment control: Temperature (commonly 37 °C for mammalian cells), pH (maintained by buffering agents or CO₂ incubation), humidity, and gas composition (e.g., 5 % CO₂) are regulated to mimic physiological conditions.
- Sterility: Aseptic techniques, filtered reagents, and laminar flow hoods are employed to prevent microbial contamination.
- Passaging: Cells are periodically detached or split to maintain optimal density, preventing contact inhibition or nutrient depletion.
- Authentication: Cell lines are regularly authenticated using methods such as short tandem repeat (STR) profiling to avoid misidentification and cross‑contamination.
- Safety: Biosafety level guidelines are followed according to the nature of the cells and any associated pathogens.
Related Topics
- Primary cell culture
- Immortalized cell lines
- Stem cell culture (embryonic, induced pluripotent)
- Tissue engineering
- Bioreactors and large‑scale cell production
- Cell viability assays (e.g., MTT, trypan blue exclusion)
- Cytogenetics and genomics in cultured cells
- In vitro pharmacology and toxicology testing.