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Stem Cells

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Stem cells have the unique ability to self-renew or to differentiate into various cell types in response to appropriate signals. These properties provide stem cells with powerful capabilities for tissue repair, replacement, and regeneration, so  human stem cells are of special interest in medical research. Embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into more cell types than adult stem cells. Differentiation is triggered by various factors in vivo, some of which can be replicated in in vitro stem cell cultures. The nature of stem cells necessitates the use of special stem cell culture media and reagents. Since suboptimal media may change the differentiation potential of stem cells, it is vital to select the correct stem cell-validated media and reagents at the start of your research process. Stem cells can be cultured like any other cell lines, provided that the right stem cell-qualified media, reagents and conditions are employed. Some stem cell lines are immortal and can be cultured indefinitely in the lab, but many are not. It is therefore critical to consider these options before initiating stem cell culture.

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Mesenchymal stem cells fluorescently stained for immunocytochemistry

Stem Cell Research

Recent advances in the realm of stem cell research are due to the advent of CRISPR genome editing technology and more advanced 3D cell culture techniques. These protocols, such as organoid cell culture methods, have provided more predictive in vitro cellular “Disease-in-a-Dish” models. Combining our CRISPR, ZFN gene editing, and stem cell expertise, we now offer novel stem cell lines, optimized media, and innovative kits for all areas of stem cell biology, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neural, mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cell culture.

In addition to our expansive portfolio of assay-ready stem cells, serum-free cell culture media, and 3D culture solutions, we offer custom engineered stem cell lines through our easy-to-use Cell Design Studio. Choose your favorite host or iPSC line and let our dedicated team of scientists knock-out, modify, or knock-in your gene of interest.

Pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), have the capacity to give rise to differentiated progeny representative of all three germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm). The ability to expand pluripotent cells in vitro and subject them to direct differentiation to produce specific cell types is crucial to the development of cell-based therapies to replace or restore tissue that has been damaged by disease or injury.

We offer a broad range of tools to support the iPS workflow including: iPS cell reprogramming kits; iPS cell culture media and reagents; iPS cell characterization tools; and iPS cell differentiation media.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

We are proud to offer lines from the European Bank of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) to provide researchers with greater access to nearly 800 patient-derived human iPS cell lines for disease modeling. This portfolio is an extension of our partnership with Public Health England as a distributor of its European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) portfolio. We offer a complete solution for the iPSC workflow, including novel reprogramming kits, iPSC culture media, and stem cell antibodies and characterization kits.

Neural Stem Cells

We offer a variety of proprietary human neural stem cell lines derived from various sources including iPSC, fetal and embryonic stem cells. All NSC lines come with optimized serum-free media and reagents to ensure proper expansion. Specialty NSC media ensures appropriate differentiation, and we offer tools for downstream NSC characterization.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells that have the capacity for multi-lineage differentiation, giving rise to a variety of mesenchymal phenotypes such as osteoblasts (bone), adipocytes (fat), and chondrocytes (cartilage). Due to their capacity for self-renewal over long periods of time and the ability to differentiate into specialized cells, interest in the biology of MSC cultures has increased, particularly in their therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Our comprehensive collection of tools and technologies for culturing mesenchymal stem cells includes low-passage MSC lines from various tissues, optimized expansion and differentiation media, and a broad range of MSC-related antibodies and cellular dyes.

MEF Feeder Cells

Many embryonic stem (ES) cell culture protocols rely on the use of a monolayer of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF feeder cells). MEF cells secrete several important growth factors into the medium that help to maintain pluripotency, and they provide a cellular matrix within which ES cells can grow. EmbryoMax™ PMEF mouse feeder cells provide researchers with a convenient solution for ES cell culture by eliminating the need for tedious feeder cell isolation and preparation.

Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Culture

Transgenic Mouse Models

Transgenic and gene knockout technologies are powerful tools for studying gene function. A prevailing method for creating transgenic and knockout mice involves the introduction of genetically-modified embryonic stem cells into early-stage mouse embryos by either blastocyst injection or aggregation techniques. These methods result in the generation of chimeric offspring, and the genetic modification may then be transmitted to successive generations if the ES cells contribute to the germline.

We offer a broad range of tools and technologies to culture mouse embryonic stem cells including the gold standard ESGRO®/mLif supplement, ESGRO® complete and ESGRO®-2i serum-free/feeder-free media. Our portfolio includes essential mouse embryo media and MEF feeder cells for the storage, transfer and expansion of mouse embryos used to create transgenic mouse models.

ESGRO Mouse LIF Supplement for Mouse ES Culture

For over a decade, stem cell researchers have trusted their cultures with ESGRO® mouse LIF supplement for maintaining the pluripotent state of their mouse ES cell lines. The gold standard for undifferentiated mouse ES cell culture, ESGRO® mLIF features:

  • Consistent inhibition of ES cell differentiation
  • Convenient format, supplied in active units/mL
  • No batch-to-batch variation
  • Flexibility: supports feeder-free and feeder-based cell culture

Serum-free Stem Cell Media and Supplements

Historically, fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been the supplement of choice for in vitro mammalian cell culture including stem cells. However, due to the undefined composition of FBS, researchers have transitioned to more chemically defined serum-free and xeno-free media and supplements for stem cell research applications. Advantages of serum-free media include:

  • Consistency: Defined media composition ensures lot-to-lot consistency.
  • Performance: High biological activity of components produces superior performance.
  • Traceability: Animal-origin-free components ensure global regulatory compliance.
  • Availability: Stable supply and price.

We offer ready-to-use proprietary serum-free stem cell media for a variety of stem cell types including Human ES/iPS, neural (NSC), mesenchymal (MSC) and hematopoietic (HSC) stem cells. These media are stringently quality-controlled to ensure performance and consistency.

Stemline™ cGMP-manufactured media and cytokines are optimized for the expansion and maturation of diverse adult stem cell types in clinical and manufacturing environments. Stemline™ products are

  • GMP manufactured
  • Serum- and xeno-free
  • Performance validated and batch-tested
  • Consistency-validated
Related Product Categories
Classical Media & Buffers
Choose from a range of optimized cell culture media formulations, including DMEM, RPMI-1640, and serum-free options for diverse cellular needs.
Supplements for Cell Culture
Cell culture supplements enable the customization of media with defined characteristics to support specific applications and serum-free culture needs. Our culture-grade supplements include ITS formulations, amino acids, vitamins, antibiotics, and reagents qualified for hybridoma and insect cell culture.
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)
FBS, or fetal bovine serum (also called FCS) is one of the most important supplements for mammalian cell culture. Choose FBS grade based on documentation requirements and application specificity.
Mammalian Cell Lines
Cell lines from human and other mammalian species are essential for modeling disease and biological systems, and are critical tools for protein, antibody, virus, and vaccine production. We offer authenticated, contaminant-free cell lines, many in partnership with ECACC.
Stem Cells
Our complete range of ES and iPS cell-qualified products includes stem cell lines and media for differentiation and maturation, and provides stem cell researchers with convenient and cost-effective solutions for the reliable culture of pluripotent stem cells.
Primary Cells
Primary cells are derived directly from living tissue and closely replicate the physiology of biological systems. Our collection includes blood, patient tumor xenografts, and hepatocytes essential for drug screening and ADME/Tox studies.
Stericup® Vacuum Filters
Next-gen Stericup® Quick Release: upgraded design enhances usability, streamlines filtration, safeguards cell cultures with Millipore® membranes.
Millipore® Sterile Filters
Seamless Sterile Filtration: Choose us for reliable Stericap® & Steripak® devices, ensuring sterile, quality solutions from mL to 20 L.
Related Applications
Mammalian Cell Culture
Applications, principles, and methods for in vitro mammalian cell culture including links to articles, protocols, and videos for proper aseptic technique, passaging and subculturing, and culture media considerations.
Stem Cell Culture
An overview of different stem cell types, stem cell culture basics and stem cell applications in basic research and clinical research applications, such as tissue regeneration, genetic diseases and cancer.
3D Cell Culture
Explore scaffold and scaffold-free methods for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, including organoids and spheroids.
Cell Culture Media Preparation
Culture media preparation for in vitro cell cultivation including preparation of different media formats, sterilization methods, cell growth and regulation supplements, media storage and use.
Cell Growth & Maintenance
A synopsis of the conditions, media, nutrients, cultureware, and environments required for successful propagation of mammalian and yeast cells. Nutrient reagents, sterile technique and filtration, and requirements for 2D, 3D, and suspension cultures are described.
Cell Culture Troubleshooting
Expert tips for correcting common problems with cell culture including bacterial and fungal contamination, debris in culture media, cell detachment or clumping, slow growth, and low viability.
Transfection & Gene Editing
Cell transfection principles, common transfection methods, and the role of transfection in gene editing and silencing for research, drug discovery, recombinant protein production.

Related Videos

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The European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the potential to significantly advance drug development and medical research, yet collections of stem cells are scattered across the world, their quality cannot always be guaranteed, and accessing them is often difficult. The goal of EBiSC (European Bank of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) is to establish an iPS cell bank that will be the ‘go-to’ resource for the characterization, storage and distribution of high-quality iPS cells from both normal and diseased patients.
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