Primary cell culture: Difference between revisions

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'''Primary cell culture''' refers to the process of growing cells directly taken from a living organism in an artificial environment, such as a petri dish or flask. This technique is widely used in [[cell biology]], [[molecular biology]], and other related fields of study.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Primary Cell Culture}}


== Overview ==
== Primary Cell Culture ==
[[File:Intestinal_organoid.PNG|thumb|right|Intestinal organoid derived from primary cell culture.]]
Primary cell culture refers to the process of isolating cells from a living tissue and maintaining them in an artificial environment conducive to their growth and proliferation. This technique is fundamental in [[biomedical research]], allowing scientists to study the behavior of cells in a controlled setting.


The process of primary cell culture begins with the extraction of cells from a living organism. These cells are then placed in a controlled environment where they can grow and multiply. The environment, often a petri dish or flask, is filled with a nutrient-rich liquid known as [[culture medium]]. This medium provides the cells with the necessary nutrients to survive and proliferate.
=== Isolation and Establishment ===
The process of establishing a primary cell culture begins with the isolation of cells from a [[tissue]] sample. This can be achieved through mechanical or enzymatic dissociation. Enzymatic dissociation often involves the use of [[trypsin]] or [[collagenase]] to break down the extracellular matrix, releasing individual cells.


== Types of Primary Cell Culture ==
Once isolated, the cells are placed in a suitable [[culture medium]] that provides the necessary nutrients, growth factors, and hormones. The culture medium is typically supplemented with [[fetal bovine serum]] (FBS) to enhance cell growth.


There are two main types of primary cell culture: [[monolayer culture]] and [[suspension culture]]. In monolayer culture, cells are grown on a flat surface, while in suspension culture, cells are grown in a liquid medium.
=== Maintenance and Subculture ===
Primary cell cultures require careful maintenance to ensure their viability. This includes regular monitoring of the [[pH]], temperature, and nutrient levels in the culture medium. Cells are usually kept at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% [[carbon dioxide]] (CO2).


=== Monolayer Culture ===
As cells proliferate, they may need to be subcultured or "passaged" to prevent overcrowding and nutrient depletion. Subculturing involves transferring cells to a new culture vessel with fresh medium.


In monolayer culture, cells are grown on a flat surface, such as the bottom of a petri dish. This allows for easy observation and manipulation of the cells. However, it also limits the number of cells that can be grown at one time.
=== Applications ===
Primary cell cultures are invaluable in various fields of research. They are used to study [[cell biology]], [[genetics]], and [[pharmacology]]. In [[cancer research]], primary cultures derived from tumor tissues help in understanding tumor biology and testing potential [[anticancer drugs]].


=== Suspension Culture ===
In [[regenerative medicine]], primary cell cultures are used to develop [[organoids]] and [[tissue engineering]] constructs. For example, intestinal organoids, as shown in the image, are derived from primary cultures and mimic the structure and function of the [[intestine]].


In suspension culture, cells are grown in a liquid medium. This allows for a larger number of cells to be grown at one time. However, it can be more difficult to observe and manipulate the cells.
=== Challenges ===
 
Despite their advantages, primary cell cultures present several challenges. They have a limited lifespan and can only be passaged a finite number of times before undergoing [[senescence]]. Additionally, maintaining the original characteristics of the tissue of origin can be difficult, as cells may undergo [[dedifferentiation]] in culture.
== Applications ==
 
Primary cell culture is used in a variety of applications, including [[drug testing]], [[cancer research]], and [[genetic engineering]]. It is also used to study the effects of various substances on cell growth and function.
 
== Challenges ==
 
Despite its many applications, primary cell culture also presents several challenges. These include maintaining the health and viability of the cells, preventing contamination, and replicating the conditions of the living organism from which the cells were extracted.
 
== See Also ==


== Related Pages ==
* [[Cell culture]]
* [[Cell culture]]
* [[Tissue culture]]
* [[Tissue culture]]
* [[Stem cell culture]]
* [[Organoid]]
* [[Stem cell]]
* [[In vitro]]


[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Cell culture]]
[[Category:Molecular biology]]
[[Category:Biotechnology]]
[[Category:Biotechnology]]
{{Cell-biology-stub}}

Latest revision as of 06:02, 16 February 2025


Primary Cell Culture[edit]

Intestinal organoid derived from primary cell culture.

Primary cell culture refers to the process of isolating cells from a living tissue and maintaining them in an artificial environment conducive to their growth and proliferation. This technique is fundamental in biomedical research, allowing scientists to study the behavior of cells in a controlled setting.

Isolation and Establishment[edit]

The process of establishing a primary cell culture begins with the isolation of cells from a tissue sample. This can be achieved through mechanical or enzymatic dissociation. Enzymatic dissociation often involves the use of trypsin or collagenase to break down the extracellular matrix, releasing individual cells.

Once isolated, the cells are placed in a suitable culture medium that provides the necessary nutrients, growth factors, and hormones. The culture medium is typically supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) to enhance cell growth.

Maintenance and Subculture[edit]

Primary cell cultures require careful maintenance to ensure their viability. This includes regular monitoring of the pH, temperature, and nutrient levels in the culture medium. Cells are usually kept at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% carbon dioxide (CO2).

As cells proliferate, they may need to be subcultured or "passaged" to prevent overcrowding and nutrient depletion. Subculturing involves transferring cells to a new culture vessel with fresh medium.

Applications[edit]

Primary cell cultures are invaluable in various fields of research. They are used to study cell biology, genetics, and pharmacology. In cancer research, primary cultures derived from tumor tissues help in understanding tumor biology and testing potential anticancer drugs.

In regenerative medicine, primary cell cultures are used to develop organoids and tissue engineering constructs. For example, intestinal organoids, as shown in the image, are derived from primary cultures and mimic the structure and function of the intestine.

Challenges[edit]

Despite their advantages, primary cell cultures present several challenges. They have a limited lifespan and can only be passaged a finite number of times before undergoing senescence. Additionally, maintaining the original characteristics of the tissue of origin can be difficult, as cells may undergo dedifferentiation in culture.

Related Pages[edit]