A Beginner’s Guide to Cell Culture: Practical Advice for Preventing Needless Problems

Cells, vol. 12, pp. 682

Abstract

The cultivation of cells in a favorable artificial environment has become a versatile tool in cellular and molecular biology. Cultured primary cells and continuous cell lines are indispensable in investigations of basic, biomedical, and translation research. However, despite their important role, cell lines are frequently misidentified or contaminated by other cells, bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, or chemicals. In addition, handling and manipulating of cells is associated with specific biological and chemical hazards requiring special safeguards such as biosafety cabinets, enclosed containers, and other specialized protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and to guarantee aseptic work conditions. This review provides a brief introduction about the most common problems encountered in cell culture laboratories and some guidelines on preventing or tackling respective problems.

Authors 4

1. Sabine Weiskirchen Aachen Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC)

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Sarah K. Schröder Aachen Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC)

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Eva Miriam Buhl Aachen Electron Microscopy Facility Institute of Pathology

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Ralf Weiskirchen corresponding Aachen Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC)

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany