Ateneo - UPO

Cell culture techniques and their possible applications.

The material will be provided directly by the professor.

Gain knowledge about the different types of cell cultures, their use for diagnostic and research purposes. -Gain knowledge about the organization of a cell culture laboratory. -Develop skills to establish cell cultures and to assess proliferation/survival/cell death

Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology.

Several teaching methods and strategies will be used to facilitate learning. These methods may include lectures, group work, discussions, and laboratory activities.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Refer to the general course page.

Cell Culture: What they are, types of cell cultures (primary cultures, cell lines, 2D and 3D cultures, co-culture), culture media (composition of main culture media and their preparation), reagents and materials. Setting up and maintaining cells in culture (cell propagation, cell counting, freezing and thawing, cell culture contamination). Organization of a Cell Culture Laboratory (use of biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, microscopes, disposable materials, sterility). Cytotoxicity testing and preparation of protein extracts for expression analysis.

Expected results: To understand what cell cultures are. To know the main techniques of cell culture and the reagents necessary for proper setup of cell cultures. To understand how cell cultures are used in the laboratory. To know how a cell culture laboratory is set up and the equipment present for their correct use. To be able to comprehend the biological risks associated with the use of cell cultures and the experimental protocols that involve cell cultures. To have the skills to set up experiments for cytotoxicity analysis and protein extraction for expression studies.