Objectives and competences
Understanding the basic principles of cell culture. Understanding what primary cultures and cell lines are. Recognizing essential requirements for maintaining cells in vitro (environment, nutrients, sterility, growth factors). Cell agriculture as an application of cell culture. Stem cells and cell differentiation. Expression systems. Managing a cell line in the laboratory. Asepsis and sterility.
Teaching Methodologies
The course consists of Theoretical (T) classes, Tutorial Guidance (OT) classes, and Laboratory (PL) classes. Theoretical classes are expository, providing a foundation for understanding basic concepts of cell culture and its applicability, supporting laboratory work. In the tutorial guidance, students analyze and discuss the data obtained in the practical classes with the professor. At the end of the semester, these are presented to the class. In the practical classes, students learn how to handle cells in culture, how to cultivate them, and how to expand them. They also learn viability and cytotoxicity techniques.
Syllabus
- Introduction to Cell Culture: basic concepts. The environment in cell culture: culture medium.
- Obtaining primary cultures. Cell lineage: Finite and immortal cultures.
- Applications of cell culture: the example of cell agriculture
- Biology of cells in culture: stem cells and cell differentiation
- Cell culture techniques: organs, tissues and cells
- Biological and chemical contamination
- Cell quantification methods (cytotoxicity and viability assays)
- Expression systems
- Artificial organs
- Production systems (upscale)
