Serum is a complex mix of albumins, growth factors and growth inhibitors and is probably one of the most important components of cell culture medium. The most commonly used serum is fetal bovine serum. Other types of serum are available including newborn calf serum and horse serum. The quality, [...]
Large numbers of cell lines look identical. Cell lines with very different origins and biological characteristics typically cannot be separated on grounds of morphology or culture characteristics. Infection or contamination of a cell line with an adventitious virus or mycoplasma may significantly change the characteristics of the [...]
Disinfection
Methods designed for the disinfection/decontamination of culture waste, work surfaces and equipment represent important means for minimizing the risk of harm.
The major disinfectants fall into four groups and their relative merits can be summarized as follows:
Hypochlorites (e.g. Chloros, Presept)
Good general purpose disinfectant
Active against viruses
Corrosive against metals and [...]
The main aim of risk assessment is to prevent injury, protect property and avoid harm to individuals and the environment. The performance of risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act, UK. There are other EC directives covering Health and Safety at Work, you can visit the European Agency [...]
Adherent cell lines will grow in vitro until they have covered the surface area available or the medium is depleted of nutrients. At this point the cell lines should be sub-cultured in order to prevent the culture dying. To subculture the cells they need to be brought into suspension. [...]