Cell-based Research

Designing Cell Lines for Viral Vaccine Production

Dr. Yvonne Genzel, Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems (Magdeburg, DE) has reviewed "designer cells" for whole virus replication for human and veterinary vaccines. The review, titled "Designing cell lines for viral vaccine production: Where do we stand?" was published online on 22 April 2015 in the Biotechnology Journal. Here, the limitations of established cell lines are covered and the requirements and screening options for new host cells are discussed. Currently available designer cells for viral vaccine production, together with other new cell lines that were recently described as possible cell substrates are also presented.

To read the review article, click here.

Cultured Uveal Melanoma Cells in Research

Researchers have reviewed the uveal melanoma cell lines that are currently available, the methods used to isolate and perform short-term cultures of primary uveal melanoma cells, and the establishment of three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture models that bridge the gap between two-dimensional in vitro systems and in vivo models. Their review, titled "Culturing Uveal Melanoma Cells," was published online in the journal Ocular Oncology and Pathology on 9 April 2015.

To read the review article, click here.

A Model for the Investigation of Neurite Development

A team of researchers have established a neuronal 3D spheroidal sprouting assay for peripheral nerve regeneration. Their article, titled "The Neuro-spheroid - A novel 3D in vitro model for peripheral nerve regeneration," was published online on 10 March 2015 in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods. The NG108-15 cell line used in the study was sourced from the European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC; Porton Down, Salisbury, UK).

To read the article, click here.

Good Cell Culture Practice

Cell Culture Health

In a 2 April 2015 Biocompare article titled "Cell-Culture Health," Biomedical science writer, Josh P. Roberts, has looked at some best practices and how to integrate them into your work flow to culture and maintain healthy cells.

To read the article, click here.

GBSI #authenticate Campaign: Video Competition

Are you a researcher who has a creative side and works with cells? Why not help the GBSI spread the word about #authenticate in a fun and visual way by entering a video in their video competition. Your video can be live action, testimonials, white boards – the style and format is up to you. The competition winner will receive $1,500 as a reward for their creative contribution.

For more information about the competition, click here.

The Global Biological Standards Institute (GBSI; Washington, DC, US) #authenticate campaign is designed to raise awareness in the life science community about the powerful role cell authentication can play in improving research reproducibility and fidelity. For more information about the campaign, click here.

GBSI #authenticate Campaign: Two Surveys

GBSI is working with an independent survey research firm to gather information about practices related to cell culture and authentication as well as research antibodies. The goal is to learn how researchers view the best practices in each of these areas and what they see as the challenges and barriers to implementing those practices.

A link to the survey can be found here; you can select one or both surveys (each takes less than 10 minutes to complete). All responses will remain confidential, and as an incentive, you have the option at the end of the survey to enter into a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card.