(122e) Defined Matrices for Propagation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that include embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) possess dual properties of limitless self-renewal and the pluripotent potential to differentiate into multiple cell types. These unique properties present avenues for the treatment of many debilitating diseases through stem cell applications. Most of the ongoing research focus on cell-fate decisions associated with stem cell bioprocessing revolves around self-renewal, differentiation and/or apoptosis. An often-overlooked cell fate is chromosomal instability in short-term lab cultures, which can present a major hurdle in safely and effectively implementing hPSCs in regenerative biomedical therapies. We report the development and characterization of controlled microenvironments and defined matrices for long-term propagation of hPSCs. Experimental outcomes demonstrate the development of defined matrices based on detailed analysis of the extracellular matrix of human and mouse fibroblasts. These defined matrices provide synergistic biochemical and biophysical cues for sustained hPSC propagation, and represent significant developments in hPSC bioprocessing. Our findings have important implications for hPSCs bioprocessing, as it is critical to develop appropriate propagation strategies for generation of chromosomally stable hPSCs, prior to use in directed differentiation strategies and eventual biomedical applications.