Cell culture is the backbone of modern science, driving breakthroughs in life sciences and biomedicine since the early 20th century. Even if you work with cells daily, there are a few facts about cell culture you might not know. Did you know…
#1: Plastic can contaminate cell cultures
Cell cultures can be contaminated by not only microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma but also by chemical contaminants from plastic instruments and water. These contaminants can alter cell behavior, introducing variability in your downstream assays.
#2: Frog nerve fibers were the first successfully cultured cells
In 1907, American zoologist and experimental embryologist Ross Granville Harrison was the first to successfully grow animal cells outside the body using a modified “hanging drop” method from bacteriology to culture frog nerve cells in clotted frog lymph.
The method described by R.G. Harrison in 1907 has since been adapted and is now an essential tool for life science research.
#3: Cultured meat is no longer science fiction
Cultured meat, also referred to as lab-grown or cultivated meat, is an emerging method of meat production that involves growing animal tissue in vitro using tissue engineering techniques. The process begins with stem cells, which are developed into skeletal muscle, fat, and connective tissues that constitute meat.
The development of cultured meat has attracted considerable attention due to its potential to address issues related to traditional meat production, including environmental impact, animal welfare, and food security.
#4: It is possible to grow stem cells in space
In microgravity, stem cells naturally develop into three-dimensional (3D) tissue-like structures that more closely resemble in vivo settings. Experiments in space have confirmed the feasibility of growing stem cells in microgravity, which developed organ-like liver, bone, and cartilage structures. This development has opened opportunities for the commercialization of 3D tissue organoids grown in outer space. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies could utilize space-grown organoids for drug testing, and transplant recipients may benefit from these tissues when organ donations are limited.
#5: HeLa cells were the first human “immortal” cell line
Figure 1. HeLa cells in culture. © Heiti Paves/ shutterstock
HeLa cells, derived from cancer patient Henrietta Lacks, have been instrumental in advancing cell-based research. In 1951, cells from a tumor biopsy of her cervical cancer were established as the first human cell line. Unfortunately, the cell line was created without Henrietta’s consent. Her family was not informed about their use until 1975, sparking debates about patient rights and privacy. In 2013, an agreement was reached between the NIH and Lacks’ descendants, marking a significant milestone in research ethics.
Over the past decades, HeLa cells have been integral to groundbreaking research, contributing to the development of a polio vaccine, understanding HIV, and investigating the causes of cervical cancer.
#6: Cell culture is a tool to resurrect woolly mammoth
Cell culture is a key method in the effort to resurrect the woolly mammoth. Researchers are utilizing advanced embryological techniques, such as cloning, to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth. Genome editing methods are being explored to modify the DNA of the woolly mammoth's close relatives to match its genome. Approximately 60 elephant genes are planned to be edited into the woolly mammoth counterpart.
The process of using genome engineering to recreate a woolly mammoth from existing elephants is complex and requires incorporating numerous deletion and insertion variants in the editing process.
#7: The first modern cell culture medium was created more than 60 years ago
Medium 199, developed by J.F. Morgan in 1950, was one of the pioneering synthetic media designed for cultivating mammalian cells. The formulation of a chemically defined medium devoid of animal components rendered Medium 199 ideal for vaccine production. This innovation facilitated the large-scale manufacturing of vaccines during the polio vaccination campaign in 1955. Subsequently, in 1959, scientist Harry Eagle introduced the minimum essential medium (MEM), comprising glucose, salts, amino acids, and vitamins.
#8: Researchers can grow mini-organs in the lab by culturing organoids
Figure 2. Growing organoids from stem cells.
Organoids contain fully developed cell types arranged in the same way as they are in the original organ.
Organoids have emerged as a significant tool in biology and medicine, enabling the creation of mini-organs in laboratory environments. These mini-organs replicate the structural and physiological functions of real organs, providing an essential platform for studying organogenesis, disease modeling, and drug development.
Mini-brains enable the study of neuron formation and growth, while mini-livers are potential alternatives for transplantation and aid in studying liver biology and diseases. Mini-hearts support cardiac development research, and mini-kidneys are essential for investigating renal diseases. Additionally, mammary and salivary gland organoids contribute to understanding the development and diseases of these glands.
#9: Bioprinting organs and tissues started in 2003
Thomas Boland, a bioengineer at the University of Texas, was working with an inkjet printer when he observed that ink droplets were approximately the same size as human cells. This led him to fill an ink cartridge with living bovine cells, nutrients, and other bio-compatible substances to create “bioink” capable of printing living tissues. Since then, scientists have utilized 3D bioprinting technology to generate various tissues, including multilayered skin, bone, heart, and tracheal splints.
Figure 3. Bioprinting human organs.
The discovery of 3D printing and its applications for living cells and tissues have opened new avenues for regenerative medicine.
#10: Phenol red can compromise your cell culture results
Phenol red is a pH indicator that provides the typical red-pink color of most cell culture media. Changes in the color of phenol red-containing culture media give a quick insight into overall cell culture health; however, in some cases, the dye can also interfere with your assay results. For example, if you work with estrogen-sensitive cell lines, you might want to switch to a phenol red-free media for your cell culture.
Learn more about the impact of phenol red in cell culture and solutions.
#11: FBS supplements can alter extracellular vesicle research data
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplies growth factors and nutrients essential for a supportive environment in cell culture. However, when working with extracellular vesicles (EVs), the use of FBS in cell culture may need reconsideration. Recent studies have indicated that protein and growth factor aggregates from FBS can affect the isolation of EVs. Check out the many serum-free cell culture media options offered by PromoCell if you need this option for your research.
