Cell Biology
LifeCyte utilizes multi-disciplinary and multi-factorial approaches in the development of custom services for projects investigating the biology of the cell.  A dedicated technical and scientific staff provides contract services to include strategic recommendations in the development of bio-assays as well as custom cell and tissue culture conditions. LifeCyte is an FDA registered, inspected, and approved establishment for human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/P's).

• Cell and Tissue Culture
• Ideal culture conditions are critical to the maintenance of the cells utilized in biological assays and down-stream processing procedures.  LifeCyte provides per project custom cell and tissue (organ) culture services with the benefit of identifying and optimizing the requisite culture conditions.  Media optimization is extended to include the development and application of serum-free media formulations.  Custom culturing can be performed on primary cell and tissue explants and a variety of cell lines, including stem. 
• Cell-based Assay and Bioassay Development
  • Cell-based bioassays are developed and utilized as tools in the evaluation of numerous cellular biological processes.  We can assay for various cytological processes such as proliferation and cell-cycle regulation, as well as cellular cytotoxic parameters including apoptosis [cytotoxicity assays, TUNEL] and markers for autophagy. 
  • Cellular signal transduction networks including the quantification of circulating cytokine levels [ELISA], ligand/receptor engagement and activation of down-stream signaling proteins [phosphorylation assays], protein trafficking and localization [fluorescence staining/immuno-histochemistry], protein-protein interaction assays [gradient fractionation, immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis, mass-spec], and protein/DNA binding assays (gene activation/engagement of an activated transcription factor upon an identified promoter consensus sequence region) [EMSA, ChIP] (see Biochemistry) can all be mapped as a means to assist in the development of various biological models.  LifeCyte can then access and explore such models in the further development of biomarkers, or in the identification of targets for potential pharmacologic interaction.
• Bioreactor Scale-up
• Our services include the generation of stable cell lines and bioengineered custom protein expression systems using clonal selection and expansion.  We can also employ the use of larger scale bioreactor cultures (animal/insect) for protein production and purification (see Biochemistry).
• Antigen (Vaccine) Production
• LifeCyte can assist in the engineering of expression systems and in the initiation of seed colony start-up cultures for use in large-scale production of immunogens.  In our hands, products can be developed and manufactured in accord with GLP and GMP guidelines, with quality control and validation testing conducted in accord with FDA requirements.
• Cell and Tissue Procurement
• LifeCyte offers unique tissue procurement solutions and services for the optimal storage and redistribution of cells and tissues. We provide shipping analysis and shipping validation services to assure maximum quality and viability of sensitive tissue shipments.