Animal Cell Culture

Cell culture refers to the removal of cells from an animal or plant and their subsequent growth in a favourable artificial environment. The cells may be removed from the tissue directly and disaggregated by enzymatic or mechanical means before cultivation, or they may be derived from a cell line or cell strain that has already been established. Stem cells retain the capacity to self renew as well as to produce progeny with a restricted mitotic potential and restricted range of distinct types of differentiated cell they give rise to. The formation of blood cells, also called haematopoiesis, is the classical example of concept of stem cells. Animal cell and tissue culture is an integral part of biotechnology and this book covers all the aspects of animal cell culture. Animal cells are used for making new vaccines, specific animal proteins such as intergerons, blood factors and hormones, monoclonal antibodies for use as diagnostic and therapeutics, gene probes as diagnostic too, enzymes and last but not the least many new and important compounds. This book contains eleven Chapters, which deal with historic developments, laboratory design, sterilization procedures and various facets of animal cell culture. This includes preservation, characterizations, storage and transport of cells, their monitoring and technologies for cell banking.