Preface

Cell culture is a cell cloning technology for large-scale clone cells by simulating in vivo environment conditions such as asepsis, appropriate temperature, and pH, as well as certain nutritional conditions, to enable cell survival, growth, reproduction, and function. It is an important and common technology in cell biology and bioengineering research used to study cell signal transduction, cell anabolism, cell growth, and proliferation. Cell culture includes human, animal, plant, and microbial cell cultures according to cell origin. It can be classified as a primary culture, secondary culture, or cell co-culture per the experiment requirements. Each type of cell culture has its own characteristics and essential conditions. However, one must realize that cell culture is an in vitro method and thus it cannot replace in vivo animal experiments and human trials. Generally, the results of a cell culture must be verified by in vivo animal experiments and further by human trials.

This book focuses on the advanced technology and applications of cell culture in the research and practice of medical and life sciences. Chapter 1 addresses the overall concept and the process of cell culture and its multiple applications and assessment parameters. Chapter 2 discusses the main features of primary cancer cell cultures, the different methods for their selection and management, and their extensive applications in prostate and bladder cancer preclinical treatment processes. Chapter 3 systematically addresses the concept and applications of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. Chapter 4 describes the isolation, expansion, and functional assays of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, and long-term culture–associated alterations of cellular properties. Chapter 5 discusses stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), and its application in studying ivermectin-mediated molecular pathway changes in human ovarian cancer cells. Chapter 6 discusses the nanotechnology application of mammalian cell culture and its intellectual property rights-related issues in the industrial and academics aspects.

This book presents new advances in the concepts, methodologies, and applications of cell culture. It is designed to stimulate and encourage researchers who develop and use cell culture in different fields in the service of human health.

> **Xianquan Zhan, MD, Ph.D., FRSM** Professor of Cancer Proteomics and PPPM, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
