Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) on Matrigel Matrix without Conditional Media

Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) is thought to have great potential in regenerative medicine. In order to maintain the hESCs in undifferentiated status, researchers use feeder cells to provide both a suitable attachment substrate and essential soluble factors. Although mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) support hESC growth but feeder cells from animal sources expose hESC to many possible infectious agents and unknown factors. On the other hand, it is difficult to interpret the results obtained from hESC-MEF coculture during any intervention. Matrigel, a complex protein mixture, is very interesting substitute for optimal growth of hESC in feeder free system for long culture. In the present study, hES cells were cultured on BD Matrigel matrix without conditional media. hESCs were cultured on BD Matrigel matrix with ESC media for 25 passages. During this period, cytogenetic and phenotypic stability of hESC colonies were analyzed. Our results from karyotype test and morphology evaluation showed that the hESC colonies were cytogenetically stable and showed criteria of undifferentiated colonies. These findings indicate that BD Matrigel matrix is an effective surface that supports feeder-free expansion and maintenance of cytogenetically stable undifferentiated hES cells.

Keywords: Human embryonic stem cells (hESC), BD Matrigel matrix, Conditional media