title: Protocol for expansion of undifferentiated human embryonic and pluripotent stem cells in suspension.
abstract: Human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs) offer a platform technology with the potential for developmental biology and cell-based therapy. Therefore, robust and cost-effective ways for mass production of them is necessary. Here, we have presented a protocol to grow pluripotent hESCs and hiPSCs in suspension by using a simple, inexpensive, microcarrier-free method. Under this condition, the cells maintained stability during freeze/thaw cycles without the loss of pluripotency markers for extended periods (>1 year). The cells maintained a stable karyotype and showed very similar expression profiles when compared to the adherent culture. The combination of this system with a bioreactor culture system will allow scale up culture of hESCs and hiPSCs needed for clinical and translational applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. Baharvand@RoyanInstitute.org
authors.forename: Hossein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baharvand
authors.forename: Mehran Rezaei
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Larijani
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yousefi
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*