What is a cell culture? Cell culture is the process of cultivating and maintaining cells outside their natural environment, typically within a controlled laboratory setting. It encompasses the comprehensive procedure of taking a cell and fostering its growth outside its native surroundings. Key Processes
Cell culture is a broad term that captures a number of different related processes, summarised below 1. **Isolation of Cells:** Cells are extracted from a tissue or organism.
2. **Cell Culture Medium:** Cells are placed in a nutrient-rich medium providing essential elements for growth.
3. **Incubation:** Cells are kept in controlled conditions, optimizing growth factors like temperature and humidity.
4. **Subculturing:** Periodically, cells are transferred to fresh medium to support ongoing growth and prevent overcrowding.
5. **Quality Control:** Regular checks ensure the health, purity, and genetic stability of the cell population.
Beyond Alt Protein Cell culture isn't exclusive to the alternative protein space; it's a versatile technique used across various industries, including: - **Pharmaceuticals:** Production of vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and testing drug efficacy.
- **Toxicology:** Assessing the effects of substances on cells for safety evaluations.
- **Tissue Engineering:** Regenerating tissues for medical applications. Understanding cell culture is crucial for comprehending the foundations of cultivated meat production and its broader applications in scientific and industrial domains.