Applications of Primary Cell Culture in Research

Primary Cell culture is a prominent tool in cellular and molecular biology research, often spreading to clinical applications. Cell culture using primary cells can be excellent model systems for studying physiology and biochemistry of cells, drug toxicity and metabolism, and other biomedical applications. Primary cell culture is being used by researchers worldwide for their role in maintaining the consistency, efficiency, and reproducibility of results, besides being an excellent mimic model of in vivo physiological conditions. The applications of primary cell culture can be termed as:

• 3D Model System

Primary cell culture can be used as 3D model system to study cell biology and biochemistry, cell interactions, pathological interactions, drug effects and toxicology, aging and several other research domains.

• Cancer Research

Difference between normal cell and cancer cell can be studied using primary cell culture as screening of over-expressed or under-expressed markers leading to oncogenic activation can be detected using primary cell culture as model. Moreover, using primary cells as control models for anti-cancer research is significantly exploited.

• Virology

Primary cell cultures are used to replicate viruses and can also be used to detect and isolate viruses for studying their growth and development cycle. Primary cells are also used in virology to study the mode and mechanism of virus infection.

• Toxicity Testing

Primary cell culture is used to study the effects of new drugs, cosmetics and chemicals on cells. Primary cells are also used to determine the maximum permissible dosage of the drugs.

• Vaccine Production

Cultured primary cells are used in replication of viruses for producing vaccines. Vaccines for polio, rabies, chicken pox, and hepatitis B are produced using primary cell culture.

• Genetically Engineered Protein

Primary cell cultures are used to produce genetically engineered proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, insulin, hormones, etc. Such recombinant technology is utilized in reshaping many therapeutics.

• Replacement Tissue or Organ

primary cell culture can be used as replacement tissue or organs in wound healing and other tissue engineering applications. E.g.- artificial skin can be produced using primary cells to treat patients with burns and ulcers. Research is on-going for artificial organ culture such as liver, kidney and pancreas. In this regard many researchers are taking up stem cell culture as these cells have the potential to self-proliferate and differentiate into several cell lineages. Many therapeutic applications of adult stem cells are currently in trials for tissue / organ regeneration and replacement technology.

• Drug Screening and Development

Primary cell cultures are used to study cytotoxicity and safe dosages of new drugs. Primary cell cultures therefore play an important role in the pharmaceutical industry.

Primary cells have become an indispensable part of today’s efficient biomedical research and if your lab is looking for tissue-specific and species-specific primary cells, or want to buy primary cells, you can contact Kosheeka at info@kosheeka.com for the best cell procuring experience in India.