Establishment of a Cell Culture Laboratory

The present chapter describes the design of a mammalian cell culture laboratory equipped for scientific research purposes. In addition to the main cell culture facility (containing sterile laminar flow hood, CO2 incubator, inverted microscopes, etc. for safe transfer and culture of mammalian cells) and anti-room (to prevent direct microbial contamination from outside aerial flow), the outer laboratory should be divided into the following areas: (1) a general washing area; (2) a medium preparation, sterilization, and storage area; and (3) an observation/data collection area. For the design of a mammalian cell culture laboratory, biosafety is the most important aspect which is addressed meticulously. Starting from minimum to maximum biohazard containment, four biosafety levels, chronologically sequenced as 1–4, are described. Another crucial aspect in designing a mammalian cell culture laboratory is the care and maintenance of the laboratory area since microbial contamination is a major problem. Finally, the safety of both the laboratory personnel and the cell culture laboratory itself needs to be addressed. The safety of a mammalian cell culture laboratory can be maintained by the following important instruments: (1) safety instruments specific for mammalian cell culture (laminar flow hood containing HEPA filters, UV light, and CO2 incubator) and (2) safety instruments common to any research laboratory (first aid kits, chemical spill kits, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, chemical fume hoods, safety showers, eyewash stations, refrigeration equipment, flammable liquid storage cabinet, safety cans, and portable safety shield). All necessary sterile and safety equipment needed to develop a mammalian cell culture laboratory are discussed in this chapter.