Podcast
Questions and Answers
How can biological contaminants affect cell culture?
How can biological contaminants affect cell culture?
Biological contaminants can alter the phenotype and genotype of cultured cell lines through competition for nutrients and synthesis of toxic by-products.
What are some examples of microbial contaminants in cell culture?
What are some examples of microbial contaminants in cell culture?
Examples include bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can exhibit various morphologies and growth patterns.
What physical changes in the culture media indicate bacterial contamination?
What physical changes in the culture media indicate bacterial contamination?
Bacterial contamination can cause the culture media to appear turbid and may change its pH, causing phenol red to turn yellow.
Why is it important to detect bacterial contaminants quickly in cell culture?
Why is it important to detect bacterial contaminants quickly in cell culture?
What factors influence the difficulty in identifying certain bacterial strains in cell culture?
What factors influence the difficulty in identifying certain bacterial strains in cell culture?
What are the primary purposes of cell culture in biomedical research?
What are the primary purposes of cell culture in biomedical research?
How have cell culture techniques evolved since the early 20th century?
How have cell culture techniques evolved since the early 20th century?
Why is homogeneity of clonal cell populations important in cell culture?
Why is homogeneity of clonal cell populations important in cell culture?
What potential hazards must be managed in a cell culture laboratory?
What potential hazards must be managed in a cell culture laboratory?
Identify the routes of exposure to biohazards in a laboratory setting.
Identify the routes of exposure to biohazards in a laboratory setting.
What role do personal protective equipment and biosafety cabinets play in a cell culture lab?
What role do personal protective equipment and biosafety cabinets play in a cell culture lab?
What is the significance of eliminating exposure to hazardous agents before cell culture work?
What is the significance of eliminating exposure to hazardous agents before cell culture work?
What advantages do cell culture systems offer compared to studying whole organ systems?
What advantages do cell culture systems offer compared to studying whole organ systems?
What is the primary responsibility of laboratory workers in a cell culture lab?
What is the primary responsibility of laboratory workers in a cell culture lab?
Why is it important to screen donors of primary cells for disease-causing pathogens?
Why is it important to screen donors of primary cells for disease-causing pathogens?
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for laboratory staff working with primary cells?
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for laboratory staff working with primary cells?
How should sharp items, such as pipette tips, be disposed of in a cell culture lab?
How should sharp items, such as pipette tips, be disposed of in a cell culture lab?
What is the function of biosafety cabinets in the cell culture laboratory?
What is the function of biosafety cabinets in the cell culture laboratory?
What does a written risk assessment help determine in a cell culture lab?
What does a written risk assessment help determine in a cell culture lab?
What actions must be taken immediately upon exposure or spillage of hazardous agents?
What actions must be taken immediately upon exposure or spillage of hazardous agents?
What type of clothes should laboratory staff avoid wearing in the cell culture lab?
What type of clothes should laboratory staff avoid wearing in the cell culture lab?
What are Hazard Groups in relation to microbial pathogens?
What are Hazard Groups in relation to microbial pathogens?
What should laboratory staff do before leaving the cell culture lab?
What should laboratory staff do before leaving the cell culture lab?
What are the main responsibilities of the safety committee in a laboratory?
What are the main responsibilities of the safety committee in a laboratory?
Why is it important to maintain a tidy cell culture lab?
Why is it important to maintain a tidy cell culture lab?
What is the purpose of reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using laboratory reagents?
What is the purpose of reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using laboratory reagents?
What is the primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet in a cell culture laboratory?
What is the primary purpose of a biosafety cabinet in a cell culture laboratory?
Why is a humid CO2 incubator necessary for cell culture?
Why is a humid CO2 incubator necessary for cell culture?
How do centrifuges contribute to cell culture processes?
How do centrifuges contribute to cell culture processes?
What role does a pH meter serve in a cell culture laboratory?
What role does a pH meter serve in a cell culture laboratory?
Why is regular cleaning and maintenance of the biosafety cabinet important?
Why is regular cleaning and maintenance of the biosafety cabinet important?
In terms of contamination prevention, why should gloves be removed when leaving the cell culture space?
In terms of contamination prevention, why should gloves be removed when leaving the cell culture space?
Explain the significance of using antibiotics in cell culture media.
Explain the significance of using antibiotics in cell culture media.
What are two main sources of contamination in a cell culture laboratory?
What are two main sources of contamination in a cell culture laboratory?
Why should equipment in contact with cell cultures be sterilized?
Why should equipment in contact with cell cultures be sterilized?
What is the function of a hemacytometer in cell culture?
What is the function of a hemacytometer in cell culture?
How does a vacuum pump assist with cell culture media preparation?
How does a vacuum pump assist with cell culture media preparation?
What impact can low-level contamination have on cell cultures?
What impact can low-level contamination have on cell cultures?
Why is a water bath with adjustable temperature used in cell culture?
Why is a water bath with adjustable temperature used in cell culture?
What should be done with biohazardous waste in cell culture laboratories?
What should be done with biohazardous waste in cell culture laboratories?
Flashcards
Cell Culture
Cell Culture
Laboratory techniques that enable the growth of cells in controlled environments.
Cell Culture Laboratory
Cell Culture Laboratory
A laboratory dedicated to cell culture, where researchers grow and maintain cells in various conditions.
Cell Culture Lab Safety
Cell Culture Lab Safety
Potential risks associated with cell culture, including exposure to infectious agents, toxic substances, and other hazards.
Cell Culture Models
Cell Culture Models
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Gene Manipulation in Cell Culture
Gene Manipulation in Cell Culture
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Clonal Cells in Cell Culture
Clonal Cells in Cell Culture
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Well-Defined Culture Systems
Well-Defined Culture Systems
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High Reproducibility in Cell Culture
High Reproducibility in Cell Culture
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Biological Contaminants
Biological Contaminants
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Bacterial Contamination
Bacterial Contamination
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Mold Contamination
Mold Contamination
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Mycoplasma Contamination
Mycoplasma Contamination
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Chemical Contamination
Chemical Contamination
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Cell Culture Lab Safety Guidelines
Cell Culture Lab Safety Guidelines
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Standard Biological Safety Practices
Standard Biological Safety Practices
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Hazard Group
Hazard Group
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Hazard Group 1 or 2
Hazard Group 1 or 2
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Hazard Group 3 or 4
Hazard Group 3 or 4
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Biosafety Levels (BSL)
Biosafety Levels (BSL)
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BSL1 Laboratory
BSL1 Laboratory
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BSL2 Laboratory
BSL2 Laboratory
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BSL3 or BSL4 Laboratory
BSL3 or BSL4 Laboratory
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Biosafety Cabinet
Biosafety Cabinet
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
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Asepsis
Asepsis
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Dedicated Cell Culture Room
Dedicated Cell Culture Room
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Cell Culture Equipment
Cell Culture Equipment
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Humid CO2 Incubator
Humid CO2 Incubator
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Inverted Light Microscope
Inverted Light Microscope
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Centrifuge
Centrifuge
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pH Meter
pH Meter
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Filter Sterilization
Filter Sterilization
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Autoclaving
Autoclaving
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Contaminants in Cell Culture
Contaminants in Cell Culture
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Aseptic Technique
Aseptic Technique
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Aspirating Cell Culture Medium
Aspirating Cell Culture Medium
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Fungal Contamination
Fungal Contamination
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Viral Contamination
Viral Contamination
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Identifying and Eliminating Contamination
Identifying and Eliminating Contamination
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Maintaining Aseptic Cell Culture Practices
Maintaining Aseptic Cell Culture Practices
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Cell Line Authentication
Cell Line Authentication
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Study Notes
Cell Culture Techniques and Safety
- Cell culture involves growing eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells in the lab under controlled conditions. Its applications range from studying tissue growth to vaccine development, disease research, and biopharmaceutical production.
- In clinical settings, cell cultures are used to model basic cell biology, replicate disease mechanisms, and test drug toxicity. Manipulating genes and pathways is easier with cultured cells and their homogeneity.
- Cell cultures can present biohazards, including infectious agents (e.g., HBV, HIV) and toxic reagents. Proper handling is crucial to prevent harm to lab workers and the environment.
Cell Culture Laboratory Safety
- Routes of exposure: Biohazards can enter the body through needles (parenteral), food/cosmetics(ingestion), inhalation, or skin/mucous membrane contact.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Lab coats, gloves, and goggles are vital barriers. Gloves should be removed and disposed of immediately after use around hazardous agents. Wash hands promptly.
- Safety Practices: Training, standard operating procedures, regular safety reviews, and vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B) are essential. Screen donors for pathogens when using primary cells.
- Safe Handling of Cell Lines: The Hazard Group of the cell line and its biosafety level (BSL) must be considered. Appropriate safety measures (e.g., written risk assessments) and containment levels (BSL 1-4) must be in place. BSL2 labs require trained personnel using physical containment and Class II biosafety cabinets.
Safe Experimental Procedures
- Always wear PPE (lab coats, gloves, goggles) when working with cell lines or hazardous agents.
- Use biosafety cabinets to minimize exposure to hazardous materials and contaminants. These HEPA-filtered cabinets ensure a unidirectional air flow.
- Review material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for reagents to understand properties, storage, and disposal methods.
Equipment for the Cell Culture Laboratory
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Aseptic Work Area: A designated area is needed for cell culture work to avoid contamination, and it should be kept clean.
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Equipment List: Essential equipment includes biosafety cabinets, CO2 incubators, microscopes, fridges/freezers, centrifuges, pH meters, pipettes, cell media, hemacytometers, autoclaves, vacuum pumps, water baths, cell culture dishes, and biohazard waste containers.
Aseptic Cell Culture Practices
- Contamination Prevention: Preventing the entry of microorganisms into cell cultures is vital. Aseptic techniques and use of sterile materials are mandatory.
- Biosafety Cabinets: Use of biosafety cabinets is essential to limit airborne contamination and other microbes. Keep items in the cabinet to a minimum to avoid airflow obstructions and keep the surfaces decontaminated.
- Surface Sanitization: Regular cleaning and decontamination of incubator, centrifuge, microscope, water baths, and other equipment contact with culture are necessary to prevent microbial growth.
- Reagent Sterilization: Many culture components and reagents are commercially sterile or filter-sterilized. Autoclaving is used for equipment sterilization. Antibiotic use in media is optional but can be used to limit bacterial growth, but the strains can be resistant or interfere with cell experiments.
Contamination
- Recognition: Cell culture staff must know what signs to look for and recognize contamination (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic).
- Consequences: Contaminants compete for nutrients, alter cell functions, and interfere with experiments.
- Chemical Impurities: Other contaminants might be chemical impurities (e.g., plasticizers).
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