Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Andre Choo

Steve Oh

Shaul Reuveny

Allen Chen

Robert Zweigerdt

Marti Lecina

Robert Zweigert

We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 &#x3bc;m and 400 &#x3bc;m, such as about 200 &#x3bc;m. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 &#x3bc;m and 30 &#x3bc;m. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 &#x3bc;m and about 120 &#x3bc;m, for example about 65 &#x3bc;m. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage. A method of propagating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in long term suspension culture using microcarriers coated in Matrigel or hyaluronic acid is also disclosed. We also disclose a method for differentiating stem cells.

Microcarriers for stem cell culture

A method is disclosed for culturing pluripotent or multipotent cells in vitro, the method comprising attaching pluripotent or multipotent cells to a plurality of microcarriers to form microcarrier-cell complexes, and culturing the microcarrier-cell complexes in suspension culture in the presence of a ROCK inhibitor.

Culture of pluripotent and multipotent cells on microcarriers

A method of identifying an undifferentiated human embryonic stem cell in a sample which may contain such cells, the method comprising identifying the cell or cells within the sample that express podocalyxin-like protein (PODXL) on their surface. A method of isolating an undifferentiated human embryonic stem cell from a sample containing such cells, the method comprising isolating the cell or cells within the sample that express PODXL on their surface. Typically, the methods use an antibody which binds to PODXL. Undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells isolated by the method may be useful in cell therapy. Also, in particular, compositions of cells differentiated from a human embryonic stem cell but which composition has been depleted of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells are provided which are useful in cell therapy.

Growing community of inventors

Singapore, Singapore

Andre Choo