A cell bank is a controlled repository where biological cells are carefully preserved and stored for future use. This systematic process ensures their viability and genetic stability over extended periods. Cell banks serve as organized collections, providing a consistent supply of well-characterized cells for various scientific and medical applications.
Why Cell Banks Are Essential
Cell banks are central to modern biological research and medical development due to their role in ensuring experimental consistency. By providing a standardized and well-characterized source of cells, they help researchers achieve reproducible results across different studies and laboratories. This consistency validates scientific hypotheses and builds upon existing findings.
These repositories safeguard valuable cell lines from contamination or genetic changes. Cells grown in laboratories can change over time due to repeated culturing, a phenomenon known as genetic drift. Storing cells in banks at specific stages preserves their original characteristics, minimizing unwanted variations that could affect experimental outcomes.
Cell banks also act as a secure backup, protecting against the loss of unique or difficult-to-obtain cell lines. Accidental destruction, equipment failure, or contamination can lead to irreversible loss. Maintaining banked stocks ensures these valuable biological resources remain accessible, promoting scientific integrity and long-term research continuity.
Establishing and Maintaining Cell Banks
The creation of a cell bank involves precise steps to ensure the quality and long-term viability of stored cells. The process begins with acquiring cells from a biological source, such as tissue samples or existing cell cultures. These cells are then expanded to produce a sufficient quantity for banking, often resulting in a master cell bank (MCB) and subsequent working cell banks (WCBs).
Before storage, cells undergo extensive quality control testing to confirm their identity, purity, and safety. This includes verifying genetic identity (e.g., via STR analysis) and screening for contaminants like bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma. Sterility testing and viability assessments are also routinely performed to ensure the integrity of the banked material.
Once characterized, cells are prepared for cryopreservation, a process involving freezing them to very low temperatures. Cells are mixed with cryoprotective agents to prevent damage from ice crystal formation. A slow, controlled freezing rate (e.g., -1 to -3 degrees Celsius per minute) optimizes cell survival.
Long-term storage occurs in specialized freezers, typically liquid nitrogen tanks below -150 degrees Celsius. This ultra-low temperature halts cellular activity and metabolism, preserving cells for years without significant viability loss. While some facilities store cells directly in liquid nitrogen, vapor phase storage is preferred to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Applications of Cell Banks
Cell banks are fundamental to drug discovery and development, providing consistent cellular models for testing new compounds. Researchers utilize banked cells to screen potential drug candidates, assess effectiveness, and evaluate safety and toxicity. This streamlines pharmaceutical research, accelerating the identification of promising new therapies.
Vaccine production relies heavily on established cell banks. Cells from these banks serve as substrates for growing viruses or other biological components needed for manufacturing. For instance, Master and Working Vero Cell Banks are used for developing and producing various vaccines, ensuring a stable and reliable source for large-scale production.
Cell banks contribute significantly to disease modeling, allowing scientists to study human diseases in a controlled laboratory setting. Cells derived from patients or genetically engineered to mimic specific conditions can be used to understand disease progression, identify underlying mechanisms, and explore potential therapeutic targets. This includes developing cellular models for neurological disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases.
In regenerative medicine and cell therapy, banked cells are essential for developing treatments aimed at repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs. Stem cell banking preserves various types of stem cells at their most potent state for later therapeutic use. These banked cells provide a consistent and reliable supply for research into tissue engineering and personalized medicine.