Scanning electron microscope of human fibroblast cells growing on microcarrier beads. Microcarrier beads are used for the large-scale production of cells and cell by-products such as viruses, vaccines, and drugs (such as the interferons). The technique is preferred over petri dishes for growing "anchorage dependent" cells. From a production aspect, the available surface area on a small volume of beads is greater than a table covered in petri dishes. Magnification 1000x @ 8x10in.