Basic Cell Culture Protocols

Abstract

There are four basic requirements for successful cell culture. Each of these will be briefly reviewed in this introduction. However, a more detailed description is beyond the scope of this chapter. Instead, the reader is referred to one of a number of valuable resources that provide the information necessary to establish a tissue culture laboratory, as well as describe the basic principles of sterile technique (1–4). The first necessity is a well-established and properly equipped cell culture facility. The level of biocontainment required (Levels 1–4) is dependent on the type of cells cultured and the risk that these cells might contain, and transmit, infectious agents. For example, culture of primate cells, transformed human cell lines, mycoplasma-contaminated cell lines, and nontested human cells require a minimum of a Level 2 containment facility. All facilities should