Stempro hESC SFM is the first serum- and feeder-free media for hESCs that has been shown to maintain these cells in a genetically normal state
Invitrogen has launched a new fully-defined, serum- and feeder-free media specifically formulated for the growth and expansion of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
The product, known as Stempro hESC SFM, will be sold by Invitrogen under a licensing agreement with Novocell.
Unlike other defined media, which have been tested only in one or two hESC lines, Stempro hESC SFM has been extensively tested and proven to keep the cells pluripotent in a number of lines, including BG01, BG02, BG03, HUES9, H1 and H9.
Pluripotency, the ability of hESCs to develop into cells of all three major lineages in the body, is a key characteristic of embryonic stem cells, and one reason they hold such promise for therapeutic uses.
Currently, researchers working with hESCs grow them in serum-containing undefined media using mouse or human embryonic fibroblast feeder cells.
These culture methods not only make it difficult to keep cells pluripotent, they are also labour-intensive and lead to challenges in scaling up cell production.
Also, the undefined nature of these cultures means scientists have a harder time controlling culture conditions and comparing results from experiment to experiment.
"Stempro hESC SFM represents a major breakthrough in the field of embryonic stem cell research," said Joydeep Goswami, vice president, stem cells and regenerative medicine.
"Researchers today face major challenges when culturing hESCs, including difficulties in maintaining pluripotency, lack of definition in current culture systems and consistency in their experiments.
"This revolutionary product addresses these challenges and allows for more ideal cell culture conditions to keep hESCs genetically normal and in an undifferentiated state".
"We are pleased to collaborate with Invitrogen in bringing our defined media for hESCs to market," said Alan Lewis, president and CEO of Novocell.
"We anticipate this product will accelerate the important work of stem cell research.
"The commercialisation of our defined media is especially motivating for Novocell as we continue to advance and develop our cell therapy for diabetes".
