Support

How are cells shipped?

Cells cultured in multiple-well plats are filled with medium and sealed using our adhesive package method. Flasks are filled with medium and sealed. Cryopreserved cells are shipped on dry ice; alternatively, a liquid nitrogen vapor shipper is available upon request; contact us if you require special shipping. All shipments are sent overnight via Federal Express. Please refer to our manuals for additional information.

How are suspension cells shipped to customers?

Suspension cells are shipped in media with cold preservation buffer on wet ice.

How are plated cells shipped to customers?

Plated cells are shipped in media with cold preservation buffer and surrounded by cold packs.

How do I handle cells when I receive them?

We provide detailed instructions on handling the cells.

How long do I have to wait before receiving the cells?

We do not ship cells domestically on Friday. In general, cryopreserved cell products can be shipped the second day after the purchase order is confirmed. Please inquire as to the availability of cells when ordering.

Does SciKon deliver cells on nights & Weekends?

Yes, but delivery time is also dependent upon customer availability.

If the customer is not available for weekend deliveries, will SciKon maintain cells over this time period?

Yes, but this will incur a surcharge to the customer.

Upon ordering, how soon can the customer expect delivery of cultured cells?

Plated cells will be shipped within 24 hours post seeding. The addition on an overlay requires an additional 24 hours for delivery.

What is the difference between a mature population of hepatocytes and a Total Liver Cell population of cells?

A mature population of hepatocytes is isolated via media density gradient can consists of ~95% large mature hepatocytes. A Total Liver Cell population consists of all existing cell types in the liver.

What type of internal quality control is performed on cryopreserved cells before they are distributed?

As a minimum, we QC post thaw viability and plateabilty. For our best quality cells, plated cells must be > 70% viable and > 85% confluent at time of shipping. Internal QC is maintained with in-house control plates. Suspension cells must be >80% viable at time of shipping.

What happens to cells that don’t meet QC standards?

Cells can be used for in-house research projects, academic partners or pilot studies for proof of concept.

Is it possible to plate suspension delivered hepatocyte?

Yes.

What type of media is used to culture hepatocytes?

The market acceptance is DMEM and Williams E media. They are used for plating and maintaining hepatocytes in culture. We are willing to address other customer media needs.

Why do fat vacuoles exist in some lot cultures?

The livers received from processing are non-transplantable organs and therefore some can contain fatty deposits.

Are antibiotics used in culture?

Antibiotics are used in culture media, such as anti/anti at standard culture concentrations.

How are the tissues screened against disease?

The organ procurement organizations provide donor serology results. Any conflicting results will be reported to the customer within 24 hours.

What age range are donor livers received?

We receive donor livers from birth to age 70 years.

Can progenitor cells be differentiated to adult cells?

Other researchers have differentiated progenitor cells to adult phenotypes.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the complexity and size of the contract. Please contact SciKon to obtain specifics and estimated prices.

Why contract SciKon to do the assay?

With our experience in human hepatic biology, it would save you time and money if SciKon conducts the assay.

Where are the cells from?

Human cells are procured from non-transplantable tissues, and obtained from Organ Procurement Organizations. Animal cells come from sources already in pre-clinical trials. Rodent cells are derived from vivarium’s or sourcing institutions.

What patient information do I get?

Donor human cells come with a certificate of analysis. This document includes gender, age, BMI, and cause of death.

Are the cells from one donor?

You have the ability to have single donor lots, and/or mixed donor lots. Lot numbers are provided with each product.

What is the difference plateable and non-plateable hepatocytes?

Plateable cryopreserved hepatocytes (Premium Tier 1) must have an attachment efficiency > 70%. Any lot that falls into a lower tier category with varying viability and plateability characteristics are listed at Tier 2 – 4 qualities.

Is it possible to achieve attachment with non-plateable hepatocytes?

Yes, however the attachment efficiency will range from 0 – 70%.

Is there a way to improve the post thaw viability of the cryopreserved hepatocytes?

Yes, by performing media density gradient procedures the cell viability can be improved. Refer to technical information under cryopreserved cells.

Why does attachment efficiency vary from lot to lot?

Variability in attachment efficiency is due to variability in donor livers, and therefore has an effect on plateability.