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. 2010 Feb 15;48(3):378.
doi: 10.1016/j.bej.2009.10.020.

Development of Scalable Culture Systems for Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Samira M Azarin  1 , Sean P Palecek
Affiliations

Development of Scalable Culture Systems for Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Samira M Azarin et al. Biochem Eng J. .

Abstract

The use of human pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, in therapeutic applications will require the development of robust, scalable culture technologies for undifferentiated cells. Advances made in large-scale cultures of other mammalian cells will facilitate expansion of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), but challenges specific to hESCs will also have to be addressed, including development of defined, humanized culture media and substrates, monitoring spontaneous differentiation and heterogeneity in the cultures, and maintaining karyotypic integrity in the cells. This review will describe our current understanding of environmental factors that regulate hESC self-renewal and efforts to provide these cues in various scalable bioreactor culture systems.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Environmental factors that regulate hESC self-renewal.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Phase contrast images of H9 hESCs cultured in MEF-conditioned media on 300 μm diameter Cytodex 3 microcarriers coated with Matrigel. Images were acquired 1 day (A) and 4 days (B) after seeding. Cells were seeded and cultured as described by [63].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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