effects of CO2 level on mammalian cell culture - (Oct/14/2006 )

Hi

Can anyone tell me will 10% CO2 level affect the cells? What is the optimum pH range of NPC/HK1 ?

Thank you for your contribution.

Haven't worked with these cells, but yes, the CO2 level can have an influence on your cells. Had some problems with an old incubator, indicated 4,5% all the time, but manual checking indicated that it was more like 10%, and my cells weren't growing like they used to, others could stand it.

your medium is buffered with bicarbonate.

CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3 <--> H+ + HCO3-

so, if you increase CO2, you will decrease the pH.
I don't know for your cells in particular, but usually cells are at 5% CO2

The CO2 concentration is usually coordinated with the amount of bicarbonate added to the medium. 5% CO2 is about 2.2 g/L Bicarbonate and 10% CO2 is about 3.5 g/L Bicarbonate. You can check a Freshney's guide to cell culture for a table on these levels.