Cell banking involves the preservation and storage of cells under carefully controlled conditions for future use. This practice ensures biological material remains viable and genetically stable over extended periods. It establishes a consistent source of cells for various applications in scientific research, biotechnology, and medicine. By halting cellular activity, cell banking prevents genetic changes and deterioration, allowing access to identical cell populations when needed.
The Cell Banking Process
Cell banking begins with the collection of cells from a biological source, such as tissue samples (e.g., bone marrow, adipose tissue) or bodily fluids (e.g., umbilical cord blood). Once collected, cells undergo processing to ensure purity and viability. This often involves separating desired cells from impurities using techniques like centrifugation. Cells are then assessed for proper function before preservation.
Following initial processing, cells may be expanded under optimized laboratory conditions for a larger supply. This generates a sufficient supply while maintaining genetic stability. After expansion, cryopreservation prepares cells for long-term storage by freezing them to ultra-low temperatures, typically -130°C or lower, to halt biological activity.
To prevent freezing damage, cryoprotective agents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are added. These agents minimize ice crystal formation. The freezing process is controlled, with cells cooled at a specific rate, such as 1°C per minute, to ensure optimal viability upon thawing. Once frozen, cells are transferred to liquid nitrogen tanks, maintaining temperatures around -196°C. At this temperature, metabolic processes virtually stop, preserving their characteristics for years.
Categories of Banked Cells
Cell banks store various cell types, each with unique properties and applications. Stem cells are frequently banked for their ability to differentiate into specialized cell types and self-renew. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), found in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, are multipotent and develop into all blood cell types. These cells are commonly used for blood disorders and cancer treatments.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from tissues like bone marrow, adipose, and umbilical cord. MSCs are multipotent stromal cells differentiating into bone, cartilage, fat, and other connective tissues. They also exhibit immunomodulatory properties, promoting tissue repair.
Immune cells, such as T-cells, are also banked for their role in the body’s defense. These cells are explored for advanced immunotherapies in cancer treatment. Other specialized cells, including fibroblasts or organ-derived cells, may be banked for research or therapy.
Uses for Banked Cells
Banked cells are used across various fields in medicine and research. In regenerative medicine, these preserved cells are a resource for repairing and replacing damaged tissues. For instance, stem cells from banks can generate new cartilage, bone, or skin, offering pathways for tissue repair and potential organ regeneration. This approach provides a ready supply of healthy cells for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring function to injured or diseased body parts.
Banked cells are also vital for disease research. Scientists use cell lines from banks to study disease progression, including cancer. These cells model disease mechanisms and test new drug compounds’ effectiveness and safety. Providing a consistent and characterized source, banking facilitates reproducible experimental results essential for drug discovery and development.
Cell banking supports personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to an individual’s unique biological makeup. Storing a patient’s own cells (autologous banking) offers a resource for future therapies with reduced immune rejection risk. This is seen in CAR T-cell therapy for certain cancers, where a patient’s T-cells are modified and reinfused to target cancer cells. Banking immune cells for future use is an evolving area enhancing access to advanced treatments.