Breaking from traditional cell culture concepts, OptiCell® is based on the novel concept of cell growth on a respiratory active membrane (RAM). This fundamental concept can be compared to the histological structure of the respiratory barrier of the pulmonary alveoli. The cultured cells live on an interactive substrate, which separates the cells from the regular atmosphere. The membranes efficiently exchange O2 and CO2 between the external and internal environments. Both adherent and non-adherent cells can be cultured in OptiCell. OptiCell streamlines the cell culture process, reduces costs and minimizes equipment needed. OptiCell facilitates the downstream setups of analysis. OptiCell also reduces waste and saves bench-top, incubator, and storage space. Each OptiCell takes less than one-fifth the bench-top, incubator, or storage space, provides one-third more growth surface, and generates one-third less solid waste by weight than a traditional culture flask. OptiCell also simplifies the tracking of samples by providing an individualized barcode on the frame of each unit. Reduces costs Facilitates the downstream experimental setups Saves bench-top, incubator, and storage space Impact-resistant frame protects against breakage Simplifies packaging and shipping Reduces solid waste Individualized barcode simplifies tracking of samples Suitable for robotic cell culture system