Mastering tomorrow’s cell culture challenges

The quest for seamless operations

This piece was contributed by Kris Wronski, Cell Culture Application Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific. Download the full article here. 

Scientists worldwide are tackling complex cell culture strategies, from organoids and tissue models to iPSC-derived neuronal cells. One of their worst nightmares is losing precious cells, painstakingly cultured with expensive reagents and supplements. Contamination, inconsistent results, and inefficient lab operations can have devastating effects, leading to discarded cells and repeated, expensive experiments.

The quest for seamless cell culture operations is crucial for developing representative disease models, personalised medical treatments, and producing living cells as medicines. The engineering of cell culture lab equipment plays a vital role in helping ensure reliable contamination prevention and consistent, trustworthy experimental outcomes.

Here, we highlight some of the cell culture challenges, focusing on experimental reproducibility, reliable contamination prevention, and seamless lab operations.

Contamination prevention

For high-value cell culture research, it is critical that CO₂ incubators offer proven contamination control features, independently tested according to international guidelines and validated with scientifically demonstrated efficacy.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we validate heat sterilisation cycles in our CO₂ incubators following US and EU Pharmacopeia guidelines. Vios™ iDx CO₂ Incubators (Figure 1) provide proof of a 12-log SAL (Sterility Assurance Level) and extensive temperature maps, helping all areas reach and maintain the specified temperature. Additional contamination risk management features include in-chamber HEPA filtration, a covered humidity reservoir (Figure 2)⁽²⁾, an electropolished stainless steel interior chamber and shelving system, and an option for a 100% solid copper alloy interior.

Vios™ iDx Cell Locker™ System (Figure 3) is an innovation in the battle against cell culture contamination. It features six individual autoclavable chambers designed for culture segregation and the protection of highly sensitive cells, such as primary, stem cells or virus producing cells. This system allows for the simultaneous execution of unique projects by segregating different users and cell types, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring an optimal environment for delicate cells.

Widely used and validated sterilisation protocols are essential for reducing cell culture contamination. When selecting a CO2 incubator, it is crucial to seek proof of testing and validation of heat sterilisation cycles according to the latest Pharmacopoeia standards. Not all manufacturers rigorously test or validate these features per the 10th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia requirements. Comprehensive 3rd-party validation should include all necessary positive and negative controls and the use of appropriate biological indicators. Scientists must demand proof of testing and validation to ensure the highest standards for maintaining a contamination-free environment, thereby helping safeguard the integrity of cell culture operations.

Figure 3. The Vios iDx CO₂ incubator with Cell Locker System configuration. This system allows for the simultaneous execution of projects by segregating different users and cell types, preventing cross-contamination and helping to ensure an optimal environment for delicate cells.

Quest for reproducible experimental results

Ensuring experimental reproducibility in research, particularly in academic settings, is crucial. Despite its importance, many scientists may struggle to reproduce others’ results. Successful academic research relies on reproducible data to support decision-making and translate discoveries into effective therapeutics. Optimal cell growth conditions are vital for reproducibility. Variations in the cell quality attributes, including epigenetics, can arise from inconsistent culture conditions in a CO₂ incubator. Implementing advanced features and technologies in CO₂ incubator design can significantly enhance reproducibility. Uniform conditions throughout the chamber and rapid recovery after door openings help ensure cells remain in their ideal environment, promoting growth and maintaining quality.

Key features for consistent CO₂ incubator performance include:

• Complete temperature mapping for uniformity data (DIN 12880 compliance)
• High-quality sensors in the chamber to measure conditions experienced by cells
• THRIVE™ active airflow technology
• High-capacity water reservoir for homogeneous growth conditions

Look for innovative lab equipment which incorporates scientifically validated features and technologies to deliver consistent performance and reproducible results. You should be able to request reports and technical data to verify the accuracy of the specifications provided by the supplier. Additionally, manufacturers should offer comprehensive support for equipment use including care and maintenance to help ensure effective lab operations.

Seamless operations in a busy cell culture lab

Academic research labs often face overcrowding, especially in small cell culture rooms, with research fellows, PhD and master’s students, and research assistants running multiple precious cell culture projects simultaneously. The mix of personalities and varying levels of aseptic skills can make lab operations challenging, even for the most organised lab managers. Cell culture labs can become exceptionally busy, leading to CO₂ incubators being overloaded with different types of vessels containing a variety of experimental cells, each with distinct requirements and sensitivities. Frequent door openings make it challenging for the incubator to maintain optimal CO₂ concentration, temperature, and relative humidity, which can negatively affect sensitive primary and stem cells.

Figure 4. Vios iDx CO₂ incubator with a large display featuring 7” intuitive touchscreen to visibly monitor conditions from the distance. Review historical usage patterns and obtain data with handy USB port positioned on the screen. The system isconnectivity-ready for remote monitoring and data management.

Cell culture labs can become exceptionally busy, leading to CO₂ incubators being overloaded with different types of vessels containing a variety of experimental cells, each with distinct requirements and sensitivities. Frequent door openings make it challenging for the incubator to maintain optimal CO₂ concentration, temperature, and relative humidity, which can negatively affect sensitive primary and stem cells.

Vios iDx CO₂ incubator technology helps prevent the loss of valuable experiments by protecting sensitive cells. When configured with the Cell Locker System (Figure 3), it offers six individual autoclavable chambers designed for culture segregation and protecting primary or stem cells. This system allows projects to run simultaneously, separating different users and cell types while maintaining an ideal environment for sensitive cells.

Frequent CO₂ incubator openings demand doors that can withstand continuous use and feature comfortable handles for easy access, especially when your hands are occupied with cell culture vessels. An intuitive, easy-to-read and navigate display is also essential for busy labs.

Figure 5. Vios iDx CO₂ incubator with a robust, full-length ergonomic door handle, to support your seamless cell culture lab operations.

Conclusions

The results generated in high-value research can help significantly impact the development of more reliable disease models and new advanced therapeutics, necessitating high-quality CO₂ incubators that support the full spectrum of cell culture work from research to GMP production. The Vios iDx CO₂ incubators are designed to help deliver consistent operations in even the most rigorously controlled lab environments, showcasing validated technologies and performance. These CO2 incubators help ensure seamless operations, making them important for modern laboratories focused on high-value, sensitive cell culture applications and trustworthy experimental outcomes.

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Related materials

1. Application Note: Steri-Run sterilization cycle proves total sterilisation
2. Technical Note: Unique design helps prevent contaminants in CO2 incubator water
3. eBook: Cell Locker Systems: Protected chambers for your most sensitive cells; webpage
4. eBook: Mastering CO₂ incubator care: A comprehensive guide to optimal cell culture conditions
5. Application Note: Evaluating Infrared Carbon Dioxide Sensors for 21st Century Cell Culture: Introducing the Thermo Scientific IR180Si Infrared CO₂ sensor
6. Smart Note: Why does the location of sensors in my CO₂ incubator affect responses from my cultured cells?
7. Smart Note: Why is a circulating fan essential to superior growth conditions in a CO₂ cell culture incubator?

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