Cell-culture Database: Literature-based reference tool for human and mammalian experimentallybased cell culture applications

Cultivation of primary cells is essential for biotechnological research and viral vaccine production. Significant advances in cell and tissue culture, more specifically, advances in the transfection and transduction of human and mammalian cells, has directly led to giant leaps forward in fields such as cancer research, genetics, and public health. At the same time, a corresponding increase has been seen in available cell culture related literature. Often times, due to the sheer number and degree of variability of available literature, it is a challenge to find specific, yet practical cell culture related information. To respond to this rising tide of information, a practical, user-friendly database containing cell-lines, plasmids, vectors, selection agents, concentrations and media was created. The database currently consists of over 3,900 cell lines (Human and Mammalian) and 1,900 plasmids/vectors collected from 2,700 pieces of published literature. The database is continually being expanded and it is hoped that through the continual addition of unique data, the database can further serve and enrich the work of cell and molecular biologists, life-science professionals, and the worldwide scientific community at large. AVAILABILITY: The database is available for free at http://cell-lines.toku-e.com/