Celstekniikka

Celstekniikka, or cell technology, is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the use, manipulation and analysis of biological cells for research, medicine and industry. It covers cell culture, cell-based therapies, biosensing, tissue engineering and related manufacturing processes.

Core activities include growing cells in controlled conditions, maintaining viability, and applying genetic, chemical or mechanical stimuli to study function or to produce biologics. Techniques range from 2D and 3D cell culture to advanced methods such as stem cell differentiation, gene editing, and microfluidics integrated sensors.

Applications span basic scientific research, regenerative medicine, and commercial production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines and enzymes using cultured cells in bioreactors. In medicine, cell therapies (for example stem cell therapies and CAR-T cells) aim to repair or replace damaged tissues. In diagnostics, cell-based assays and biosensors enable high-throughput screening and personalized medicine.

Practices rely on strict quality and safety standards, including aseptic technique, validation and quality control, and regulatory compliance under GMP or GLP frameworks. Institutions maintain cell banks, master and working cell lines, and traceability of materials from donors.

Ethical considerations include donor consent, privacy, and animal use. Ongoing developments focus on automation, high-content screening, organoids and scalable manufacturing, aiming for safer, more effective therapies and diagnostics.