A culture flask is a type of laboratory vessel specifically designed for growing and maintaining cells in a controlled environment. Culture flasks are commonly used for adherent cell cultures, where cells require a surface to attach and grow, as well as suspension cell cultures, where cells grow freely in the liquid medium.
Culture flasks come in various sizes and shapes, with the most common types being:
- T-flasks (Tissue Culture Flasks): These flasks have a flat bottom and a rectangular or triangular shape, providing a large surface area for adherent cells to attach and grow. The “T” in the name refers to the shape of the flask’s neck, which is angled and designed for easy access during media changes and cell harvesting. T-flasks are available in various sizes, such as T25, T75, and T175, with the number indicating the approximate growth surface area in square centimeters.
- Erlenmeyer flasks: These flasks have a conical shape with a flat bottom and are typically used for suspension cell cultures. The wide base and narrow neck allow for adequate gas exchange while minimizing the risk of contamination. Erlenmeyer flasks can be used on shaker platforms or orbital shakers to keep the cells in suspension and ensure proper nutrient distribution.
- Spinner flasks: These flasks are designed for suspension cell cultures in bioreactors or other large-scale culture systems. They have a central vertical shaft with impellers or paddles that rotate, keeping the cells in suspension and maintaining an even distribution of nutrients and gases.
- Multi-layer flasks: These flasks have multiple layers or compartments stacked on top of each other, significantly increasing the available growth surface area in a compact design. Multi-layer flasks are commonly used for large-scale cell expansion or when working with limited incubator space.
Regardless of the flask type, culture flasks typically have a vented cap that allows for gas exchange while preventing contamination from airborne particles or microorganisms. When working with culture flasks, it is crucial to maintain sterile conditions and handle the cells gently to minimize stress or damage to the cells.
