Cell culturing is a fundamental laboratory technique used in biological research to grow and maintain cells outside their natural environment. This process allows scientists to study cellular behavior, test treatments, and conduct experiments in controlled conditions. The procedure requires sterile equipment, proper growth medium, and careful environmental control.
Proper preparation and sterilization are crucial for successful cell culturing. All equipment must be sterilized using an autoclave or other sterilization methods. The work area should be prepared with a laminar flow hood to maintain sterile conditions. Growth medium must be prepared and sterilized, and researchers must wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves and lab coats.
Cell seeding involves transferring cells into a sterile culture vessel with appropriate growth medium. Using a sterile pipette, cells are carefully dispensed into the flask containing nutrient-rich medium. The cell density must be optimal - not too sparse or too crowded. Proper labeling with cell type, passage number, and date is essential for tracking.
Cells are placed in an incubator that maintains optimal growth conditions. The temperature is kept at 37 degrees Celsius to mimic human body temperature. Carbon dioxide concentration is maintained at 5 percent, and humidity at 95 percent. Regular monitoring ensures healthy cell growth, and the culture medium may need to be changed periodically to provide fresh nutrients.