Microporous Membrane-based Co-culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

• Main Author: Albert, Kelsey Morgan
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2007
• Subjects: transwell; insert; filter; mesh barricade; microporous; hESC; stem cells; human embryonic stem cells; membrane; HFF; co-culture; Biology; Life Sciences
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd_retro/161; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1160&context=etd_retro

Transwell inserts with microporous membranes, available from multiple commercial sources, have been widely used for various mammalian cell culture applications, including the reduction of cell culture mixing. In this study, we examined the feasibility and functionality of using this technology for separating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from their respective feeder cells. We found that when hESCs were propagated on transwell inserts positioned directly above feeder cells grown in a separate dish, the hESCs could be maintained in an undifferentiated state for over 10 passages with no change in their basic pluripotent characteristics. In parallel with our transwell insert experiments, we also evaluated the ability of a new defined, xeno-free medium, HEScGRO™, to enhance the animal-free characteristics of the transwell insert-based culture system. Results from our studies demonstrate that HEScGRO™ medium assists in maintaining the pluripotent characteristics of hESCs propagated in the transwell insert- based culture system. These combined results represent a significant development in properly segregating stem cells from their feeders, thus eliminating cell mixing, contamination, and providing the cells with a superior environment for nourishment and controlled self-renewal. Overall, this development in hESC propagation could have wide-reaching applications for self-renewal and differentiation studies within the field of stem cell biology.