Cell Culture Tubes
Cell Culture Tubes
Cell culture tubes are used for storing and maintaining living adherent or non-adherent cell cultures. For successful cell culture results, the tubes need to be non-cytotoxic, sterile, and free from detectable DNase and RNase, human DNA, and pyrogens. They are available in a variety of volume capacities, materials, RCF ratings, and closure types; may be sterile or non-sterile; may be autoclavable; suitable for adherent or suspended cell cultures.
Typically made from plastic resins (polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene), many are surface treated to reduce the inherent hydrophobicity of the plastic and allow for cell attachment.
Some cell culture tubes are flat-sided for attached growth and easy microscopy. Others are suitable for shaking cell suspensions and growing aerobic bacteria. Some cell culture tubes are designed to create a small bioreactor environment. These may have vented caps for gas exchange.