Cell Culture Test Methods

Growing cells in 2D under static conditions has long been the gold standard of cell culture, despite this method not being representative of the complex in vivo environment. The use of animal models also has clear ethical and scientific limitations, and increasingly the 3Rs (replacement, refinement, reduction) in relation to animal models are being integrated into the modern-day scientific practice. Focusing on new 3D in vitro methods now available to researchers, this book brings together examples of leading-edge work being conducted internationally for improving in vitro cell culture methods, in particular the use of systems for enabling cell culture under laminar flow and the use of 3D scaffolds for providing cells with a structure which replicates the function of the extracellular matrix and encouraging interactions more akin to an in vivo environment.

Concise introduction to a major technique of cell biology laboratories for those new to the field.

Cell Culture Methods for in vitro Toxicology introduces the reader to a range of techniques involved in the use of in vitro cell culture in toxicological studies. It deals with major cell types studied in the field of toxicology and will be useful for anyone wishing to start work with animal cell cultures or to refresh their knowledge relating to in vitro cell models. Fundamental chapters deal with the general biology of cytotoxicity and cell immortalisation these are key issues for in vitro systems addressing the `3Rs' principle. Up-to-date overviews deal with the use of cells from liver, brain and intestine. In addition, biochemical analysis of cell responses, biotransformation pathways in cells and recombinant approaches to the early detection of cell stress are also covered in detail. Prominent features of in vitro technologies also include regulation, biosafety and standardisation. Dedicated chapters deal with these issues in a practical way in order to lead the reader to the right source of information. This book provides an up-to-date, informative and practical review of cell culture methods for in vitro toxicology. It will be of equal benefit to students and experienced toxicologists with little experience of in vitro cell culture.