Have a question about one of our products? Check out our technical library for recently asked questions from other scientists around the world.
Technical Library
Recent Entries in Technical Library
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Why are most of the soluble receptors not produced in E. coli?
Soluble receptors are post-translationally modified and generally contain disulfide bonds and glycosylation sites. If produced in E. coli the proteins don’t show any biological activity.
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What is the source of the trypsin from the Detach Kit (C-41200/C-41210/C-41220)?
The source is porcine pancreas.
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What is the exact localization of PromoCell’s Human Pericytes? How many doublings can they perform in culture?
Our hPC-PL (C-12980) are isolated from microvessels of the human placenta, from the chorionic villi.
The number of populations doublings is not determined for each individual cell lot, but in our experience, they can be grown for at least 15 population doublings.Related Links and Documents
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What is the composition of Melanocyte Growth Medium M2 SupplementMix (C-39420)?
Supplement Mix for Melanocyte Growth Medium M2 (C-39420) is free of serum and doesn’t contain any PMA. The qualitiative and quantitative composition is proprietary.
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What is the difference between PromoCell Medium “ready-to-use” and PromoCell Medium “Kit”?
PromoCell Cell Culture Media “ready-to-use” consist of basal medium and SupplementMix.
PromoCell Culture Media Kits consist of basal medium and SupplementPack.
Addition of the supplements (SupplementMix or SupplementPack, respectively) to the appropriate basal medium will result in identical growth media.Related Links and Documents
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What’s the stability of HPC Expansion Medium XF (C-28021) after addition of Cytokine Mix E (C-39890)?
The medium supplemented with Cytokine Mix E is stable for 2 weeks if stored protected from light at 2-8°C.
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How should I handle PromoCell’s proliferating cells after arrival?
Short description:
Unpack the box and place the T25 flask(s) in the incubator for 3 hrs (closed cap). Then check confluency under the microscope.
When the density is < 70%, aspirate the medium using sterile conditions and add 5-10 ml of the appropriate Growth Medium. The cells should be subcultured according to the subcultivation protocol given in the cells’ Instruction Manual once they have reached > 70 % confluency.Related Links and Documents
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Typically once seeded, how long does it take to grow the chondrocytes to subconfluence? How many doublings will they undergo per passage?
It usually takes 5 to 8 days to grow our Normal Human Chondrocytes (C-12710) to subconfluency. The number of doublings (PDs) they undergo can be calculated from the number of seeded cells and the cell yield at subconfluency. Generally, when HCH are plated with 10,000 cells/cm² they perform between 1.5 and 2 doublings per passage.
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How should I seed the preadipocytes for optimal differentiation?
Recommended procedure:
– Thaw the vial according to our protocol
– Seed one part of the cells (5,000 cells/cm²) directly into multiwell plates for subsequent differentiation induction; grow in Preadipocyte Growth Medium until they reach 100% confluency, then induce differentiation according to the recommended protocol
– Seed the other part (5,000 cells/cm²) into a TC dish and expand them in Preadipocyte Growth Medium; trypsinize at subconfluence; if necessary divide the cell suspension again into two parts and use one part for differentiation tests (see above), the other part to continue the culture of undifferentiated HWP.
– Differentiation capacity may decline after 1-2 passages in vitro, therefore best perform your differentiation tests at early passages. HWP at higher passages can still be used for studies that require undifferentiated HWP (e.g. proliferation assays).Related Links and Documents
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What is the exact source of PromoCell’s subcutaneous and visceral preadipocytes (HWP)?
Our subcutaneous HWP are isolated from subcutaneous fat of different localizations, e.g. abdomen, breast, or upper arm.
The visceral preadipocytes are isolated from fat surrounding e.g. the pericardium, or from the omentum or mediastinum.The exact localization is specified in the Certificate of Analysis. If you need HWP from a particular localization, please contact our Technical Customer Support prior to placing your order.
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Can PromoCell supply preadipocytes (subcutaneous, visceral) from donors with obese BMI / non-smokers / non diabetics? Can PromoCell supply preadipocytes from different age groups?
The basic information we receive from the surgeons about the tissue donors usually includes age, gender, and ethnicity.
- For many of our donors of subcutaneous preadipocytes, we also have information on BMI, hair color, skin pigmentation, and, in some cases, smoking habits or known diseases (e.g. Diabetes). Most of our subcutaneous HWP donors are between ∼25-65 years old.
- The visceral HWP donors are mostly between ∼20-75 years old. For many cell lots we know the BMI, in some cases also the hair color, skin pigmentation, smoking habits, and/or known diseases (e.g. Diabetes or COPD).
If you are looking for particular specifications, please contact our Technical Customer Support, so that we can offer you appropriate HWP lots.
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Where does PromoCell source the bronchial tissue for HBEpC preparation? Are the smoking habits of the donors known?
We source the bronchial tissue from forensic medicine and from thoracic surgery. For some lots, the smoking habits of the donors are known.
Please contact our Technical Customer Service before ordering the cells if you need this information.Related Links and Documents
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What are the key points relating to proliferation, differentiation and culturing of HWP?
PromoCell’s Normal Human White Preadipocytes (HWP) are isolated from adult subcutaneous or visceral adipose tissue from different locations. The cells are frozen in our serum-free freezing medium (Cryo-SFM) at the end of passage 1 (= secondary culture). A randomly selected vial is then used for quality control, which includes determination of growth characteristics, control of morphology, and tests for differentiation capacity into mature adipocytes.
The recommended seeding density of preadipocytes after thawing/trypsinization is 5,000 cells/cm2; cells should be trypsinized before reaching 90% confluence. Population doubling times are usually between 20-50 hrs (10 population doublings guaranteed). Using a 1:4 split ratio, you can perform ∼4-5 passages with the cells.
Preadipocyte Growth Medium (C-27417) is used to propagate the cells. To induce differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes, cells are grown in PromoCell’s Preadipocyte Growth Medium until they reach 100% confluency. Cells are then cultured in Preadipocyte Differentiation Medium (C-27437) for 72 h, followed by 10-14 days in Adipocyte Nutrition Medium (C-27439). During this time the cells start to accumulate fat droplets which can be visualized under the microscope.
We recommend performing differentiation experiments at population doubling numbers lower than 4-5, in order to reach a high differentiation level of the culture.Related Links and Documents
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The melanocytes from Promocell are primary cells, so how many passages can they go before losing activity?
PromoCell guarantee 15 population doublings for their NHEM. In terms of passages this corresponds to approx. 4-6 subcultivations. We can however not guarantee that the activity of all melanocyte genes remains unchanged during this time. Primary cells do gradually change their phenotype in vitro. Therefore, it is recommended to use the cells for the important experiments at low passages.
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Is everything in the PromoCell Skeletal Muscle Cell Differentiation Medium (C-23061) defined?
Yes, our Skeletal Muscle Cell Differentiation Medium is completely defined. The SupplementMix (C-39366) consists of recombinant human insulin.
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After how many passages in monolayer culture do the chondrocytes start to de-differentiate?
Mature chondrocytes from articular cartilage are postmitotic producers of extracellular matrix components like collagen types II, IX, and XI and proteoglycans. Upon release from the tissue of origin and seeding in monolayer culture, cells re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate. After a period of approx. 1-3 weeks, they will gradually start dedifferentiation and will adopt a fibroblastic phenotype. Dedifferentiation can be detected by decreased collagen type II or increased collagen type I expression, as well as by the appearence of the fibroblast marker Thy-1/CD90. Re-differentiation can be induced by changing from conventional monolayer culture to a 3-D culture system.
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When we buy chondrocytes from PromoCell, is it possible to make sure they are articular chondrocytes, i.e. from knee joint?
All our chondrocytes (C-12710) are isolated either from knee joint or femoral head. If you need chondrocytes specifically from either localization, please contact our Technical Customer Service before placing your order. They will send you the available lot numbers from the localization that you are looking for.
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What is the lead time when ordering customized media from PromoCell?
The lead time is usually 4-8 weeks.
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Do the PromoCell media contain L-glutamine?
Yes, the specialized PromoCell media already contain the optimal amount of L-glutamine. Please don’t add extra L-glutamine as this can be toxic for the cells.
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What can pericytes differentiate into?
Pericytes have been shown to differentiate e.g. into adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, and phagocytes.
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Why is the serum content of PromoCell’s specialized media so low?
FCS is a natural product consisting of many different components like salts, hormones, vitamins, trace elements, proteins, and enzymes. There can be large lot-to-lot variations between different serum batches regarding the concentrations of growth-promoting factors. The higher the serum content in a culture medium, the higher the impact of the variations on the cell culture system. For this reason, PromoCell has developed several serum-reduced and serum-free media where part of the serum has been replaced by more defined factors like cytokines, hormones or vitamins.Media with reduced serum concentrations have the benefit that they produce more standardized culture conditions over a long time span.
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What culture conditions are required for culturing PromoCell Normal Human Cells in the respective PromoCell media?
PromoCell Normal Human Cells should be cultured in the appropriate medium at 37°C and 5% CO2 in a humidified atmosphere.
Please note: If using cell culture flasks w/o filter cap, unscrew the cap by half a turn to allow sufficient ventilation. -
Is it possible to perform experimental starvation with PromoCell Normal Human Cells and the PromoCell media?
Yes, but the experimental starvation conditions have to be determined individually for each cell type. Usually, the cells are maintained in basal medium with reduced growth factor concentrations or lower FBS content. The cells need to be in a good condition and the starvation should be kept as short as possible as prolonged serum and/or growth factor deprivation induces apoptosis.
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Can I starve PromoCell HUVECs?
We have many customers who perform starvation with our HUVECs. Most of them use Endothelial Cell Basal Medium supplemented with FCS (0.5-1% for shorter periods; 5-20% for 24-48 hrs). The cells have to be in a good condition and the experiment should be terminated soon after starvation. Prolonged periods will induce apoptosis.
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When subculturing PromoCell’s proliferating HUVEC (T25 flask; C-12250), which TC flask should I use?
A subconfluent T25-flask typically contains between 0.9 and 1.2 million cells corresponding to 36,000-48,000 cells per cm2. It is recommended to count the existing cell number after trypsinization and to calculate the needed number of new flasks.
Recommended seeding density for HUVEC is 5,000-10,000 cells/cm2. This usually corresponds to a split ratio of 1:4-1:6. 1:6 means that you can increase the culture surface by factor 6 (e.g. from 1x T25 to 6x T25 or 2x T75).Related Links and Documents
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How can I prevent fibroblast contamination in epithelial cell preparations?
Fibroblast contamination cannot be completely avoided in primary cell cultures. As epithelial cells attach more firmly than fibroblasts, it is possible to perform partial trypsinization to remove the fibroblasts. This is done by adding trypsin/EDTA to the TC dish for 2-4 min. When the fibroblasts detach, the enzyme is inactivated and the suspension with the fibroblasts aspirated. The remaining epithelial cells are washed twice with buffer and their culture is continued in the respective Growth Medium.
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Why is the growth rate of PromoCell’s HDMEC significantly reduced when I remove hydrocortisone from the Endothelial Cell Growth Medium MV Kit (C-22120)?
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and hydrocortisone have been reported to have a synergistic effect on the growth of microvascular endothelial cells. Accordingly, if you remove the hydrocortisone, the proliferation of HDMEC is clearly affected.
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Where does PromoCell source the heart tissue for HCM isolation?
The tissue comes from patients who underwent heart transplantation. We obtain a part of the explanted (not the transplanted) heart to prepare cardiac myocytes.
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For how long can the cardiac myocytes (C-12810) be grown in culture?
PromoCell guarantees 15 population doublings (PDs) if the HCM are grown in Myocyte Growth Medium. Depending on the cell lot and the culture conditions, the cells can be maintained in culture for > 6-8 passages corresponding to a period of 1-2 months.
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What would be the likely impact of using PromoCell Fibroblast Growth Medium (C-23010) instead of DMEM + 10% FCS for the growth of juvenile fibroblasts (C-12300)?
PromoCell Fibroblast Growth Medium is serum-free and therefore not subjected to the lot-to-lot variations observed with DMEM/10% FCS. Our Fibroblast Growth Medium therefore allows for much more standardized cell culture conditions.
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How many bottles of medium will I need to grow 1 vial of HUVEC out to 15 population doublings?
The amount of media needed per vial depends on the growth characteristics of the cells, the size of the TC vessels and the split ratios used, the frequency of media changes, the type of experiments you perform, etc. It is therefore difficult to give definite quantities. As a rough guideline, 1-2 bottles (500 ml each) are needed for 1 vial of HUVEC.
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Should the skeletal muscle cells be split after adding the Differentiation Medium (C-23061)?
After adding the Skeletal Muscle Cell Differentiation Medium, myoblasts will start to differentiate into myotubes and stop growing. The cells should not be split anymore. It is recommended rather to plate the SkMC into the needed vessels, (e.g. multiwell plates), prior to induction of differentiation and to perform studies directly on differentiated cells. If it is necessary for your tests to detach the myotubes and they are difficult to trypsinze, you can use a "rubber policeman".
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What is the exact localization of PromoCell’s HAoAF (Human Aortic Adventitial Fibroblasts)?
Our HAoAF (C-12380) are isolated from the Adventitia, the outer layer of the aorta. The cells have been characterized as fibroblasts by the expression of fibroblast-specific CD90.
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What is the source of PromoCell’s Normal Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells? For how long can they be maintained in culture?
HFDPC are isolated from the hair papilla of normal human scalp hair follicles. Hair papilla in the adult hair follicle play a crucial role in the dermal-epidermal interactions that control hair production and in hair growth cycle events. The follicle dermal cells are cryopreserved at second passage and can be cultured for at least 10 population doublings when using PromoCell Follicle Dermal Papilla Cell Growth Medium (Cat. C-26501). Typical population doubling times are between 20-36 hrs.
The recommended seeding density after thawing/trypsinization is 5,000-10,000 cells/cm2. Using 1:4 splits, you can perform 4-5 passages with the cells.Related Links and Documents
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What is the basis formula for PromoCell’s Osteoblast Basal Medium (C-27010)?
PromoCell’s Osteoblast Basal Medium is an optimized media formulation developed for human osteoblast culture. The exact composition is proprietary.
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What is the approximate cell density of HFDPC (C-12071) at subconfluence?
Typical cell densities are between 32,000 – 40,000 cells/cm² (approx. 800,000 – 1 million cells per T25-flask).
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How many osteoblasts will be in the flask when I purchase a proliferating culture (C-12760)?
If you purchase a proliferating culture of human osteoblasts (C-12760), there will be > 500,000 cells in the TC-flask. Once the culture is subconfluent, you will count between 750,000 – 1.1 million cells/T25 (depending on the cell lot).
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Does the Osteoblast Growth Medium support osteoblast proliferation or differentiation? Does the medium contain any recombinant growth factors?
Our Osteoblast Growth Medium (C-27001) consists of the Basal Medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) FCS, but with no recombinant growth factors. The medium primarily supports the proliferative capacity of normal human osteoblasts. It does not contain osteogenic factors (like dexamethasone and beta-glycerophosphate) that promote differentiation as many users test their own chemical compounds (growth factors, hormones), or examine the effects of physical strain or sheer stress on the differentiated functions. The Osteoblast Growth Medium is well-suited as the basis for these applications and can be supplemented with further growth factors if necessary. To specifically induce mineralization, PromoCell supply Osteoblast Mineralization Medium (C-27020).
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What is the time frame for the differentiation of HWP? Can PromoCell provide a differentiation protocol?
Induction of differentiation:
– Grow the cells in Preadipocyte Growth Medium (C-27410) until they reach complete confluence; this roughly takes 1 week. Change medium 2-3x per week.
– Aspirate the Growth Medium; add Preadipocyte Differentiation Medium (C-27436) for 72 h
– Aspirate the Differentiation Medium, add Adipocyte Nutrition Medium (C-27438).
The cells will now start to accumulate droplets of lipids which can be visualized under the microscope. The process usually takes 1-2 weeks. Change medium 2-3x per week.
It is possible to maintain the differentiated adipocytes in Nutrition Medium for up to 4 weeks. However, the cells tend to lyse and detach after about 3 weeks.Please note: We recommend to perform differentiation experiments at population doubling numbers lower than 4-5 (a maximum of 1 passage after thawing) in order to obtain a high differentiation level of the culture.
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Is it possible to split differentiated adipocytes in order to perform more experiments?
Generally, you can split differentiated adipocytes. But these cells lose their ability to proliferate after differentiation and you can’t expand the culture any more. Therefore it is recommended to plate the cells into the needed vessels (e.g. multiwell plates) prior to induction of differentiation so that trypsinization isn’t necessary.
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Can I mix the SkMC Supplement with the Skeletal Muscle Cell Basal Medium and freeze some down for later use? If so, how long can it remain frozen?
The PromoCell Basal Media must be stored between 4-8°C and should not be frozen, as this can lead to precipitations. The same is true after addition of the supplements: the complete medium has to be kept at 4-8°C.
If you prefer to make up smaller volumes of complete medium, you can aliquot the Supplement Mix and refreeze those aliquots at -20°C until use. This way you can extend the period in which you can use the supplemented media.Related Links and Documents
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Can PromoCell supply melanocytes from asian donors?
The majority of our skin tissue donors are caucasians. But occasionally we also get skin biopsies from asian and black donors.
Please contact our Technical Customer Support if you need cells from a particular phototype or origin. They will check our inventory and send you a list of available cell lots.Related Links and Documents
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How does PromoCell recommend subculturing the chondrocytes (e.g. from T25 into T75 flasks, or into petri dishes)? Does PromoCell recommend a specific type or brand?
We recommend a seeding density for chondrocytes between 10,000 and 20,000 cells/cm². This means that a subconfluent T25-flask with approx. 900,000 cells/T25 flask (36,000 cells/cm² ) may be either split into 3 new T25 or seeded in one T75 flask or in one 100 mm petri dish. We do not recommend a specific type or brand for the culture of HCH.
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Does the Chondrocyte SupplementMix (C-39635) contain any growth factors?
The Chondrocyte Growth Medium SupplementMix consists of Fetal Calf Serum (final concentration 10 % v/v) which has specifically been tested for the culture of primary chondrocytes. FCS contains a variety of different growth factors, which are however, not analyzed in more detail. There are no further growth factors added to the SupplementMix.
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What calcium concentration is needed to induce differentiation in cultured keratinocytes?
The optimal calcium concentration for both proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes depends on the species and also on the media formulation. To keep primary human keratinocytes in the proliferative status, concentrations between 0.03 and 0.15 mM (PromoCell Keratinocyte Growth Medium 2: 0.06 mM) are generally used. Increasing the calcium above 1 mM will induce terminal differentiation and lead to the loss of proliferative activity.
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Why does PromoCell use CD146 as a marker for pericytes?
CD146 (MUC18) is a surface marker, expressed on pericytes, MSCs, and endothelial cells from large vessels (but not microvascular endothelial cells). In combination with CD34 (a marker for endothelial and hematopoietic cells), pericytes can be characterized by FACS analysis as CD146+/CD34–. The absence of CD34 expression makes sure that the cells are not of hematopoietic/endothelial origin. Further markers that have been described for pericytes are NG2, CD90, alpha-SMA, and PDGFR-beta.
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How does PromoCell ensure that there is no fibroblast contamination in the pericytes? Are the fibroblasts removed by separation with anti-CD90 labeled magnetic beads?
No, we don’t perform CD90 immunomagnetic separation with our pericytes. We can however exclude fibroblast contamination as follows:
1) The presence of fibroblasts in our pericyte cultures would be detectable shortly after cell isolation, as pericytes need up to 2 weeks before they start proliferating. Fibroblasts on the other hand would proliferate immediately and overgrow the culture.
2) Characterization of the isolated pericytes during QC includes flow cytometry of CD146. Pericytes express CD146 whereas placental fibroblasts don’t.Related Links and Documents
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What is the exact localization of PromoCell’s HRCEpC? Are the cells isolated from proximal or distal tubuli?
Our Human Renal Cortical Epithelial Cells (C-12660) are isolated from the cortex of the human kidney. The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney. It contains the renal corpuscles, the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, and the cortical collecting ducts.
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From what part of the lungs does PromoCell isolate the human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPF)?
Our HPF (C-12360) are isolated from peripheral lung tissue.
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I am interested in purchasing PromoCell Human Mononuclear Cells (C-12907). Could you please let me know whether you have tested them for platelet contamination? If yes, which markers / procedure have you tried?
During the isolation of our Human Mononuclear Cells (hMNC), we first of all pay attention to thoroughly discard the platelet-containing fraction before we aspirate the MNC containing-interphase of the Ficoll gradient. The harvested MNC fraction is then subjected to several washing steps to remove potential remaining platelets. Finally, the cell preparations are verified by microscopy to be largely free of platelet contamination.
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From which organism originate the recombinant cytokines in Cytokine Mix E (C-39890)?
All cytokines in Cytokine Mix E (human TPO, SCF, flt-3 ligand, and IL-3) are produced in E.coli. They are purified by chromatography, are free of endotoxins, and are tested for their biological activity.
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How many vials of MNC-PB can PromoCell typically provide from one lot/one donor?
There is a strong variation from donor to donor and sometimes from donation to donation concerning the number of vials that can be produced. This is due to individual variances between the donors as some of them have more MNCs per ml of blood and others have less.
Generally, the number of vials (each with 25 x 106 cryopreserved cells) per lot ranges between 10 and 40.Related Links and Documents
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What chondrocyte structures are stained using Alcian Blue? Can I use this staining method for chondrocytes in monolayer cultures?
Alcian Blue stains the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes, e.g. cartilage-specific aggrecan and other glycosaminoglycans. To our knowledge, chondrocytes only express aggrecans when grown in 3-D culture and not in 2-D culture.
To detect cartilage specific markers in monolayer culture, it is recommended to perform immunofluorescence detection of collagen type II.Related Links and Documents
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From what muscles does PromoCell isolate the SkMC?
Our skeletal muscle cells are mainly isolated from M. pectoralis, sometimes also from M. intercostales or M. gluteus maximus. The exact localization is specified in the Certificate of Analysis.
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Can I trypsinize the PromoCell Normal Human Cells at 37°C?
PromoCell recommend to trypsinize all Normal Human Cells at room temperature and to monitor the detachment under the microscope. Prolonged trypsinization at 37°C can lead to irreversible damage of the cells.
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What is the concentration of ECGS contained in Endothelial Cell Growth Media/Preadipocyte Growth Media?
At manufacture, ECGS is adjusted to a protein content of 3 mg/ml. For Human Endothelial Cells and Microvascular Endothelial Cells the optimal concentration of ECGS is 2 ml/500 ml medium, corresponding to 6 mg extracted protein/500 ml medium. ECGS/H is additionally supplemented with 22.5 mg/ml heparin, corresponding to a final concentration of 45 mg heparin/500 ml medium.
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Should I store the cryopreserved cells in the liquid phase or gas phase of liquid nitrogen?
In principle, both types of liquid nitrogen storage are acceptable, each having its advantages and disadvantages.
- Liquid phase storage provides a consistent temperature of -196°C, a longer holding time and a greater vial capacity but involves the risk of contamination issues.
- Storage in the gas phase is very safe with respect to contaminations but the holding time of the cells is shorter and the vial capacity is reduced.
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Will RNAlater solution denature the proteins in the cell pellets?
Yes, RNAlater Solution will denature proteins. Therefore, protein obtained from PromoCell cell pellets will be suitable for applications such as Western blotting or 2D gel electrophoresis, but not for applications that require native protein.
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When should I order the Growth Medium Kit instead of the Medium “ready-to-use”?
The Growth Medium Kit allows customization of the end concentrations of growth supplements. It is therefore more flexible than the Medium “ready-to-use” and can eg. be used to prepare a starvation medium.
Please note: Modification of supplement concentrations may have an impact on cell growth. You should test in advance whether and for how long the cells can survive the altered culture conditions.Related Links and Documents
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Can PromoCell normal human cells be grown in standard media like DMEM or RPMI1640 supplemented with 10% FBS?
PromoCell Growth Media have special formulations and are much more complex than DMEM or RPMI + FBS. In comparison to immortalized cell lines, primary cells have much higher nutrient and growth factor requirements. Classical media do not usually achieve good performances with our cells.
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Can the cell pellets be used to establish a growing culture?
No, the PromoCell cell pellets (C-14**) are frozen at -20°C and cannot be revived. Their main application is to analyze RNA or protein. Cryopreserved cells that can be revived are available from the same donors. Please contact our Technical Customer Support if you need matched viable cells.
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What is the difference between DetachKit (C-41200) and DetachKit-2 (C-41202)?
Both Kits contain HepesBSS, trypsin/EDTA, and Trypsin Neutralizing Solution (TNS). In DetachKit (C-41200), the concentration of trypsin/EDTA is 0.04% / 0.03%. In DetachKit-2 (C-41202), it is reduced to 0.025% trypsin / 0.01% EDTA. HepesBSS and TNS concentrations are identical in both Kits.
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What is the concentration of the trypsin inhibitor in TNS?
Our TNS solution contains 0.05% (w/v) trypsin inhibitor from soy bean in HepesBSS/0.1% BSA.
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What is the shelf life of the PromoCell DetachKit/DetachKit-2?
The three components of DetachKit and DetachKit-2 (HepesBSS, Trypsin/EDTA, TNS) are stable for 1 year from the date of manufacture when stored at -20°C. Once thawed for usage, they should be stored at 4-8°C and can be used for 6 weeks. Please avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
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Can I use my own culture medium or other commercially available media for culturing PromoCell Normal Human Cells?
Our Normal Human Cells have been cultured and tested in our growth media and have adapted to these conditions. Using other media may yield unsatisfactory results due to suboptimal supplies of nutrients and growth factors. PromoCell can only guarantee good cell growth (as stated in the Certificate of Analysis), when the cells are grown in the recommended media.
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How many cells do the cell pellets contain?
PromoCell cell pellets are made from > 1 million cells and are dissolved in 200 µl RNAlater.
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What medium should I use to grow or differentiate PromoCell Human Stem and Blood Cells?
The recommended media for a particular cell type are specified on the respective product page (“Recommended Products”) and can be found in the Manual belonging to the cells.
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What media should I use to grow PromoCell Normal Human Cells?
The recommended Growth Media are specified in the Manual belonging to the cells and can be also found on the product page of the cells (“Recommender products”).
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Can I aliquot the SupplementMix?
Yes, you can aliquot the SupplementMix upon delivery and freeze down 2 or 4 individual aliquots at -20°C. This way, you can prepare smaller volumes (2 x 250 ml or 4 x 125 ml) of complete culture medium and thus extend the time you can use the medium.
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What is the difference between juvenile (C-12210) and adult HDMEC (C-12212)? Which ones should I use for my experiments?
Our juvenile HDMEC (C-12210) are isolated from foreskin of young male donors (1-10 years). In contrast, adult HDMEC (C-12212) are derived from different skin localisations like the cheek, temple, or breast. The donors are > 20 years old and are mostly female.
Adult HDMEC are the cells of choice when you need cells from a particular part of the body (other than foreskin), or if it is important for your study to use cells from female and/or adult donors.Related Links and Documents
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Are the PromoCell chondrocytes from orthopedic joint replacement surgery or other types of surgery?
Our chondrocytes are derived from patients (~55-80 years) who underwent surgery for total endoprothesis of the hip or knee joint. In most cases this is necessary due to arthrosis. If the tissue shows macroscopic lesions, it is not used for cell isolation.
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What is the exact localization of PromoCell’s HNEpC (C-12620)?
Our Nasal Epithelial Cells are isolated from nasal septum or adenoids.
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What is the precise localization for a) HNEpC, b) HTEpC, c) HBEpC, and d) HSAEpC?
a) HNEpC (Human Nasal Epithelial Cells) are isolated from nasal mucosa
b) HTEpC (Human Tracheal Epithelial Cells) from the surface epithelium of trachea
c) HBEpC from the surface epithelium of bronchie, and
d) HSAEpC (Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells) from the distal portion of the respiratory tract in the 1 mm bronchiole area
(comprising the cells from bronchioli and alveoli).Related Links and Documents
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What is the composition of the Osteoblast Supplement (C-39615)?
Our Osteoblast Supplement consists of FCS (10 % [v/v] final concentration) which is specifically tested to support optimal growth of Normal Human Osteoblasts.
Related Links and Documents
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What is the composition of PromoCell Chondrocyte Growth Medium?
Our Chondrocyte Growth Medium consists of an optimized basal media formulation and is supplemented with 10 % (v/v) fetal calf serum that has undergone stringent biological controls.
Related Links and Documents
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Do you get new blood samples in every few days for MNC-PB as well as MNC-CB isolation so that a good variety and number of cells are available to suit our purchase needs?
We get 5-8 new lots of adult MNC (C-12907) every month (> 15 vials each). Cord blood MNC (C-12901) are smaller lots (5-10 vials), we get 2-4 new lots every month.
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