Essential Aseptic Technique for Vero Cell Culture

Maintaining sterile conditions is non-negotiable in Vero cell culture, as contamination can ruin experiments, compromise vaccine production, and lead to erroneous scientific data. Here is a practical guide to key aseptic techniques.

1. Workspace Preparation
Disinfection: Thoroughly wipe down the biosafety cabinet (BSC) surface with 70% ethanol before and after use.

UV Sterilization: Turn on the UV light for at least 15-20 minutes before starting work to sterilize the interior and all stationary equipment.

Organization: Arrange all necessary reagents, pipettes, tips, and flasks inside the BSC before beginning. This minimizes arm movements in and out during critical steps.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear a lab coat and disposable gloves.

Consider wearing a face mask to prevent contamination from breath or aerosols.

3. Handling Reagents and Consumables
Flames: Briefly pass the necks of glass bottles (e.g., media, serum) through a Bunsen burner flame before opening and after closing to create a sterile airflow barrier.

Liquid Handling:

Use sterile, disposable pipettes and tips for all liquid transfers.

Never directly touch the sterile parts of pipettes or the inside of bottle caps.

Avoid passing your hands or arms over open containers.

Waste Disposal: Have a dedicated waste container for used tips and pipettes within the BSC to contain potential contaminants.

4. Working with Vero Cell Cultures
Microscope Checks: Regularly observe cultures under an inverted microscope for signs of contamination (e.g., sudden pH change, cloudiness, unusual cell morphology).

Bottle Management: Do not use the same reagent bottle for different cell lines. Clearly label all bottles with contents, date, and initials.

Incubator Hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect the water pan and shelves of your CO₂ incubator to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.

By rigorously applying these aseptic techniques, you create a controlled environment that protects your valuable Vero cells from microbial contamination, ensuring the integrity and reproducibility of your research.

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