Question 1: What method is used for the isolation of primary epithelial cells from animal or human tissues?

The method we use to isolate primary epithelial cells was developed based on a combination of established and our proprietary methods. These cells are isolated with anti-EpCAM-1 antibody-conjugated magnetic beads.

Question 2: What passage number would they be?
You will receive epithelial cells from passages 2 or 3, depending on cell purity. These cells can be used immediately after isolation.

Question 3: How many passages can primary cells be maintained?
Primary epithelial cells can be expanded 3-7 passages by the split ratio of 1:2 under the cell culture conditions specified by Cell Biologics (Recommened Epithelial Cell Culture Medium: M6621).

Question 4: How many cells should you expect to receive from one order?
There are 1 million cells/frozen vial provided with each order depending on cell types; 2-4 million cells can be made as per your request.

The cells are frozen at one million cells/ml per vial or per request you can receive proliferating cells in a T75 flask.

Cell Biologics ships frozen cells on dry ice to anywhere in the world. On receipt, frozen cells can be transferred to liquid nitrogen until needed experimental use. Live cell shipment is also available on request.

Question 5: How long does it take for a custom cell culture?
Delivery time is usually 2 or 3 weeks from the time we receive your live mice or tissue samples.

Question 6: How do we test our cells?
We test primary epithelial cells for expression of markers using antibodies, E-Cadherin (Anti-E-Cadherin Antibody (G-10): sc-8426, Santa Cruz) or ZO-1 ( Anti-ZO-1 Antibody, MABT11, clone R40.76, Millipore) by fluorescence staining. Also, you will receive cell morphology micrographs gratis on request and cell fluorescent antibody image will be provided for a modest fee.

Question 7: How is cell purity estimated?
Primary epithelial cells produced from Cell Biologics display typical cobblestone morphology under light microscopy and show E-cadherin and/or ZO-1 staining at cell-cell junction (see our website).

Question 8: How can the knockout or transgenic cells be successfully isolated?
Our technology allows us to obtain high quality cultures from genetically modified animals listed on our website. We can provide our customers with verification of the epithelial phenotype of mutant cells by cell morphology, immunostaining or flow cytometry for at least one specific epithelial marker.

Question 9: What laboratory applications can these cells be used for?
Primary epithelial cells can be used for a variety of purposes (e.g., assays of cell-cell adhesion, migration, vascular tube formation, angiogenesis assays and many other applications) Standard biochemical procedures can be performed using endothelial cell cultures include RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, or immunofluorescent staining or flow cytometry, et al.

Primary epithelial cells from Cell Biologics are distributed for research purposes only. Our products are not authorized for human use. Transfer or resale of any Cell Biologics' cells or products from the purchaser to other markets, organizations, or individuals is prohibited by Cell Biologics without the express written consent of the company. Cell Biologics' Terms and Conditions must be accepted before submitting an order.

Question 10: How much does isolation of epithelial cells cost?

a. $1200 for 1-2 million cells/frozen vial per custom order of one cell type.

b. $1200 for one T25 flask.

c. $1300 for one T75 flask.

Discount pricing is offered when orders are for more than three types of cells derived from different organs or tissues.

Question 11: What types of samples do we accept for cell culture for custom orders? 

You can send animal organs (lungs, heart, livers, etc). If you choose this approach, we will provide you with the specific protocol for collecting and sending us tissue.
You also can deliver your live mice (1-6 weeks) directly to us. Younger the mice provide better results and typically each special order requires 6-8 mice. You can ask your animal facility or company to contact us for animal delivery.

Question 12: Would one tissue type have to be specified, or can epithelial cells from multiple locations be isolated?
Cells derived from one or multiple types of tissues or organs can be provided from each mouse strain on request.

Question 13: Will Cell Biologics provide the isolation methods?
We will provide you with a brief synopsis of our cell isolation method for the purpose of your publication. All Cell Biologics methods are proprietary.

Question 14: What kind of support is provided for long term projects?
For long term use of our custom orders, one of our representatives will work with you on any special requests your project may entail, along with providing special discount pricing, upon approval of written contract.

Question 15: How do we inquire more about a custom order?
You can either send an email to service@cellbiologics.com with the details of your request including the type of cells needed and quantity of cells and one of our representatives will contact you for further information.

For a detailed list of the cells available from Cell Biologics, please go to our website at http://www.cellbiologics.net

If you would like to use of Custom Cell Isolation Service, please contact us at  sales@cellbiologics.com. 

Custom Primary Cell Isolation Service is available internationally.

Thank you for your interest in Cell Biologics’ Cell Isolation Service and we look forward to working with you in the near future.

CellBiologics