Purpose of review: Cell and tissue products do not just reflect their present conditions; they are the culmination of all they have encountered over time. Currently, routine cell culture practices subject cell and tissue products to highly variable and non-physiologic conditions. This article defines five cytocentric principles that place the conditions for cells at the core of what we do for better reproducibility in Regenerative Medicine.
Recent findings: There is a rising awareness of the cell environment as a neglected, but critical variable. Recent publications have called for controlling culture conditions for better, more reproducible cell products.
Summary: Every industry has basic quality principles for reproducibility. Cytocentric principles focus on the fundamental needs of cells: protection from contamination, physiologic simulation, and full-time conditions for cultures that are optimal, individualized, and dynamic. Here, we outline the physiologic needs, the technologies, the education, and the regulatory support for the cytocentric principles in regenerative medicine.
Keywords: Cell culture; Cytocentric; Organoids; Regenerative medicine; Stem cells; Tissue engineering.