The growth of human diploid fibroblasts as aggregates with cellulose fibres in suspension.

Human diploid fibroblasts can grow as small cell masses in aggregation with cellulose fibres in suspension but not as conventional monolayers on the surface of the fibres. Using Eagle's MEM with 10% calf serum and various anionic cellulose exchangers in suspension, added human fibroblasts build aggregates of cells with the cellulose fibres enmeshed within these clumps. A concentration of 3 mg cellulose per ml inoculated with between 1 X 10(5) to 1.3 X 10(5) cells per mg cellulose gave an estimated yield of at least 1.5 X 10(6) cells per ml after 7 to 8 days incubation. Cell growth was measured as an increase in protein by a modification of Lowry's method.