ECACC

ECACC, the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures, is a repository that preserves and distributes authenticated mammalian and other cell lines, primary cells, stem cell lines, and related culture materials for biomedical research. Based in the United Kingdom and part of the national culture collections program, ECACC coordinates with international partners to maintain high-quality, well-characterized cell resources used in drug discovery, toxicology, and basic biology.

Holdings include thousands of cell lines derived from human and animal tissues, as well as established cell banks and specialized cohorts such as stem cell lines and organoids. Each item is associated with a unique catalogue number and documentation, including a certificate of authenticity and quality-control data.

Quality control and authentication are central to ECACC's operations. Materials undergo identity verification, typically via short tandem repeat profiling, species verification, and contamination testing (e.g., mycoplasma). Regular updates to records ensure traceability and compliance with relevant biosafety and ethical guidelines.

Access and distribution: Researchers may search a public catalogue online and place orders through formal channels. Materials are provided under MTAs, with terms governing use, redistribution, and compliance with biosafety regulations. Some human-derived lines may be subject to additional restrictions.

History and governance: ECACC originated as part of the Center for Applied Microbiology and Research in Porton Down, UK, and has evolved as part of national health and biosafety infrastructure; it is associated with Public Health England's Culture Collections. It collaborates with other major repositories worldwide to standardize authentication and data sharing.

Significance: ECACC's standardized, authenticated cell cultures support reproducibility and comparability across laboratories, enabling researchers to compare results and develop therapies more reliably.