Cell Banking

Cell line misidentification or contamination leads to unreliable experimental results that waste valuable time and resources. Before creating a cell bank, cell lines must be properly identified and verified.

To create useful master cell banks (MCB) and working cell banks(WCB), the cell line must be identified with precision, typically completed via short tandem repeat (STR) or
whole-genome sequencing (WGS) testing to compare the DNA profiles of cell lines with a referential database. From there, to ensure the cell line remains pure and safe from contamination, labs typically conduct mycoplasma and sterility testing, along with regular viability assurance (i.e., regularly thawing a test vial for confirmation).

To prevent cross-contamination, labs should maintain separate equipment, practice strict aseptic techniques, and avoid shared workspaces or locations for each cell line. CellPort helps labs to schedule and track the completion of cell line authentication processes, and trace the lineage of cell lines over time.

Master Cell Bank Creation
Why create a master cell bank? – Master cell banks (MCB) ensure cell line integrity by preserving original cells that can be used if more cells need to be grown, or if cellular metobolics are altered due to excessive passaging or changes in media.

To create MCB, labs begin by selecting a cell of interest and expanding the cell line to an adequate scale; this is typically performed via cell culture. Once the cell density is satisfactory, the cells are cryopreserved in vials and placed in long-term storage. From there, labs characterize the cells through various means, documenting factors such as growth kinetics, morphology, and relevant genetic markers.

MCBs must be preserved under precise conditions with around-the-clock monitoring in a safe, secure location, and regularly thawed and cultured to assess viability, identity, and functionality over time – this is known as stability testing. CellPort’s automated workflows and assays help labs expedite the creation of MCBs, conduct regular testing, and ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of cell lines.

Working Cell
Bank Preparation
Working cell banks (WCBs) are derived from the MCB and serve as the source of cells to be used in experimentation and production. Before usage, cells from the WCB must undergo tests to ensure that they are viable, that they accurately reflect the MCB characteristics, and that they have not been contaminated.

The use of a WCB enables consistency and reproducibility in cell lines, and this
two-tiered cell bank (MCB and WCB)
system also allows for well-characterized banks at significant cost savings. To help
get products to market faster, automated systems like CellPort streamline the WCB testing process and ensure that all steps are GMP compliant, with easy-to-use reporting tools that simplify regulatory audits.