Understanding Color Changes in Cell Culture Media
News 24 4 月, 2025
During cell culture, changes in media color often reflect the condition of the cells. Typically, media appears red due to its pH (~7.4) and the presence of phenol red. However, the exact color can vary depending on the media type. For instance, DMEM tends to appear darker than RPMI-1640 because it contains more phenol red. Some media are colorless or pale …
Primary Cell Culture Tips and Techniques
News 24 4 月, 2025
Primary cells are initial cells obtained from living tissues through specific isolation methods. These cells are freshly isolated, not immortalized, and retain most of their original genetic and physiological traits. This makes them highly valuable for experiments requiring physiological relevance, such as drug testing, cell differentiation, and transforma…
Why Do Some Positive Blood Cultures Fail to Grow Bacteria?
News 24 4 月, 2025
A positive blood culture result with no bacterial growth has long puzzled clinical microbiologists. Distinguishing a false positive from other causes of culture failure can be challenging. Here, we summarize and analyze the common causes of false positives and culture failures in blood culture to aid in judgment. Environmental Factors Drastic Te…
When to Use Culture Flasks vs. Multi-Well Plates for Cell Culture
News 24 4 月, 2025
In vitro cell culture requires cells to adhere to artificial surfaces. Most vertebrate cells grow in a monolayer on these surfaces, typically culture flasks, dishes, or multi-well plates. Basic Concepts Based on material, culture surfaces are usually disposable plastic or glass. Glass is low-cost and reusable with good light transmission but has beco…
The Role of Glutamine in Cell Culture
News 8 4 月, 2025
L-glutamine, an amino acid encoded in protein synthesis, is a common supplement in serum-free media, used to support the proliferation and maintain the physiological functions of various mammalian cells. In common cell culture media, the concentration of glutamine varies from 0.5 mM in Ames’ medium to 10 mM in MCDB 131 medium, typically within the ra…
Influencing Factors of Plant Cell Suspension Culture
News 8 4 月, 2025
Plant cell suspension culture is a common cell culture technique widely used for producing secondary metabolites, such as polysaccharides, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. What is Cell Suspension Culture? Plant cell suspension culture refers to the cultivation of plant cells or small cell clusters in a liquid medium on a shaker. Thes…
Mastering the Art of Spore Staining: A Crucial Microbiology Skill
News 8 4 月, 2025
Spore staining is a vital microbiological technique for identifying spore-forming bacteria that are otherwise difficult to visualize using standard Gram staining. While Gram staining helps differentiate bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative, it often fails to stain bacterial spores effectively. Under a microscope, these spores appear as hollow, unstai…
Cell Culture Applications and Their Broad Range of Fields
News 28 3 月, 2025
Cell culture is a vital technique in scientific research, enabling the study of living tissues and cells. With its diverse applications, cell culture plays a key role in advancing fields like biotechnology, medicine, and genetics. Applications of Cell Culture in Research: Intracellular Activities: Study of energy metabolism, DNA transcription, apop…
Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Laboratory Glassware Measurements
News 28 3 月, 2025
The accuracy of laboratory glassware is crucial for precise measurements in scientific experiments. While calibration and improper use are the primary causes of errors, careful handling and adherence to best practices can minimize discrepancies and enhance measurement reliability. 1. Temperature of the Glassware The capacity of glassware changes…
Petri Dish Usage Guidelines: Cleaning, Types & Precautions
News 28 3 月, 2025
A Petri dish is an essential laboratory tool for microbial and cell cultures. It consists of a flat, round base and a lid. Due to its fragile nature, handling it with care is crucial. Proper cleaning, sterilization, and storage are key to maintaining its integrity and ensuring accurate experimental results. How to Clean a Petri Dish? 1. Soaking B…
How to Eliminate Mycoplasma? Prevention and Solutions for Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Culture
News 28 3 月, 2025
Introduction During cell culture, unwanted contaminants such as fungi and mold can appear unexpectedly. However, the most troublesome intruder is mycoplasma, which silently infiltrates cell cultures and causes severe damage. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what mycoplasma is, its sources, how it harms cells, and the best ways to detect an…
Understanding Serum: Essential Knowledge for Cell Culture
News 19 3 月, 2025
Serum has been an essential component of culture media since the 1950s, providing key nutrients for cell growth. Despite decades of research, its complex composition is still not fully understood. The quality and composition of serum can vary based on animal age, sex, and physiological conditions. Types of Serum Serum is classified into several types…