Cell/tissue culture interferon production

Animal cell culture can be used for the production of viral vaccines, interferon, hormones, immunological reagents, and cellular biochemicals (Table 8). At the present time, vaccines are most widely used. Cancer research was one of the first areas in which tissue cultures have been extensively used. Plant cell cultures could also provide alternative possibilities of studying drugs and environmental pollutant metabolism which are traditionally investigated in live animals 101). 

Immobilized Cells. Cells can be immobilized in the walls of UF hollow fibers and can grow to tissue-like densities (106-107 cells /cm2) between the fibers. This is about 10 times higher than densities achieved in roller bottles the hollow fibers act like natural capillaries in carrying nutrients to the cells and in removing toxic wastes. Cultures can be maintained for months at a time. Products like interferon, monoclonal antibodies, antigens, viruses and hormones may be produced continuously with dramatic increases in yield. In addition, where proteins such as monoclonal antibodies are being produced, subsequent purification steps can be simplified because the product occurs in high concentrations with lower concentrations of serum components than is the case with conventional mouse ascites fluid or suspension culture procedures. 

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