Cell Culture: Practical Applications

Objectives

No final desta unidade curricular os alunos devem ser capazes de:
1. Acquisition of knowledge related to different types of cell lines and their applications;
2. Identification of good laboratory practices for safely handling cell cultures;
3. Application and manipulation of different animal cell culture techniques;
4. Evaluation of cell viability, using optical microscopy techniques and colorimetric tests;
5. Interpretation of the results obtained in the scope of the different tests performed.
6. Recognition of the potential of different methodologies in the various areas of research.

General characterization

Code

95120061

Credits

3

Responsible teacher

Ana Armada

Hours

Weekly - Se a UC for oferecida como opcional, o horário será disponibilizado no 2º semestre

Total - 30

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

Not applicable

Bibliography

• Michael Aschner, Lucio Costa (2019) Cell Culture Techniques, Neuromethods 145, Springer New York; Humana;
• Cornelia Kasper, Verena Charwat, Antonina Lavrentieva (2018) Cell Culture Technology, Learning Materials in Biosciences, Springer International;
• Manual de Segurança Biológica em Laboratório (OMS), 2004. (https://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/BisLabManual3rdwebport.pdf?ua=1);
• SECB Recommendation on the safe handling of human and animal cells and cell cultures, 2019. Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety;
• Edmondson et al, 2014. Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems and Their Applications in Drug Discovery and Cell-Based Biosensors. In: ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies vol. 12 no.4, 207-218.

Teaching method

This curricular unit (CU) aims to transmit theoretical knowledge and practical skills on manipulation of eukaryotic cell cultures and associated techniques, with applications in different areas of research, such as the development of new drugs, which is transversal to the areas of Microbiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine. This CU has a strong practical component and a tutorial component to teaching is also considered.

Evaluation method

The CU evaluation is based on active participation in practical classes and presentation of results (weighting 30%) and theoretical exam (weighting 70%). The presence in 2/3 of the classes is mandatory and the final grade must be ≥ 9.5 in 20.

Subject matter

I. Organizational structure and security of a cell culture laboratory;
II. Cell types, their applications, cell media and substrates;
III. Preparation of culture media and manipulation of cell cultures;
IV. Cryopreservation of animal cells;
V. Manipulation of cell lines;
VI. Cell viability and cytotoxicity tests;
VII. Basic concepts of immunofluorescence: labeling of nuclear DNA and intracellular proteins;
VIII. Application of cell cultures in the various areas of research.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: