In vitro studies

In vitro studies refers to experiments performed in a controlled environment outside of a living organism. A limitation of this kind of research is that the environment may affect how material responds, so research on material removed from its usual environment may produce different results than the same intervention would have in the living organism.

In vitro studies are typically contrasted to in vivo studies (experiments performed on a whole, living organism) and, more recently, to in silico studies, meaning studies performed on a computer or by computer simulation.