Enumerate the applications of animal cell culture

Animal cell culture refers to the process of growing animal cells in artificial conditions outside the body. These cells are maintained in nutrient-rich media under strictly controlled conditions of temperature, pH and oxygen. This technique plays a vital role in many areas of biological research and biotechnology. The wide applications of animal cell culture span from basic research to industrial production, clinical therapy and diagnostics.

There are following major applications of animal cell culture which are:

1. Vaccine Production

1. Vaccine Production
One of the most common applications of animal cell culture is in the production of vaccines. Viruses are grown in cultured animal cells to produce vaccines safely and in large quantities. For example, Vero cells (taken from monkey kidney) were used in the development of Covaxin during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Similarly, vaccines for rabies, polio, measles and hepatitis B are also made using animal cell cultures. This method ensures that vaccines are free from contamination and have good quality.

2. Production of Monoclonal Antibodies and Therapeutic Proteins

Animal cells such as CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells and hybridoma cells are used for large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins like insulin, erythropoietin and interferons. These are used in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases and infections. For example, Herceptin used in breast cancer treatment is produced using animal cell cultures.

3. Drug Testing and Toxicity Studies

New medicines and chemicals are first tested on cultured animal cells to check whether they are safe and effective. It helps to reduce the use of animals in early testing. For example, HepG2 liver cell lines are used to test for liver toxicity. This step is very important in pharmaceutical industries and drug discovery research.

4. Research on Cancer and Genetic Disorders

Many types of cancer cells like HeLa, MCF-7 and A549 are cultured in labs to study how cancer grows, spreads and responds to different treatments. Scientists also use cultured cells with genetic disorders to understand diseases like muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. This helps in discovering new treatments and understanding disease progression.

5. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

In this application, cells are grown to form tissues which can be used to replace damaged body parts. For example, skin cells are cultured for burn patients and cartilage cells are used in joint repair. It is also used in making artificial organs and tissues for transplantation.

6. Virology and Viral Pathogenesis Studies

Animal cells are used to study how viruses infect cells, multiply and affect the immune system. This helps scientists to develop antiviral drugs and understand viral diseases. For example, many COVID-19 related studies used cultured lung cells to study SARS-CoV-2 behavior.







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