Cell Culture Section
Fully adapted for work with cell cultures under sterile conditions, and has the necessary equipment for monitoring the condition and quality of cells, including a cell counter and inverted microscope. Professional thermostated incubators with CO2 atmosphere enable continuous tissue cultures of both healthy cell lines and tumor models. The laboratory cultivates human and animal cells, on which preliminary tests to assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of various physicochemical risk factors (UV radiation, chemically and biologically active substances) are performed. As part of the toxicity assessment, the laboratory performs survival and proliferation tests, MTS, and clonogenicity tests. Another aspect is the study of the physiological activity of cells under stress and the observation of their ability to migrate (scratch test; Wound Healing Test), which is combined with the assessment of the level of proteolytic enzymes (metalloproteinases, MMPs) that increase the invasiveness of cancer cells. The number of metalloproteinases is assessed on the basis of gel zymography, i.e. electrophoresis in the presence of gelatin. The most important aspect of the research carried out in the laboratory is the possibility of introducing expression vectors into cells by transfection, which makes it possible to change the expression profile at the genetic and protein level. This type of research uses the tools and techniques of genetic engineering and molecular biology. The tissue culture laboratory also carries out preliminary preparatory processes related to banking of cells in liquid nitrogen.
The sections are equipped with:
- Two ScanLaf MARS II laminar-flow hoods (biological safety chambers with laminar, vertical air flow)
- Two Panasonic MCO-19AIC (UV) incubators with CO2 atmosphere and UV light sterilization system
- NIB-100 inverted microscope with phase contrast (Ningbo Yongixin Optical Co
- basic laboratory equipment (centrifuges, water bath, pipettors, fridge etc.)
