Innovative Stem Cell Culture for Direct Cell Attachment Without the Need for Feeder Cells or Matrix Coatings

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. introduces the new Thermo Scientific Nunclon Vita stem cell culture surface at the Biotechnica exhibition. The unique, energy-treated polystyrene surface enables direct attachment, colony formation and growth of human embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS).

In media supplemented with a Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, human ESCs can be cultured on the Nunclon™ Vita™ Surface for at least 10 passages without any loss of pluripotency, or karyotype changes. As a result, Nunclon Vita represents a significant step forward for stem cell scientists, offering greater control over culturing of stem cells and providing a more stable supply of cells for downstream applications. The company will showcase the Nunclon Vita at Thermo Scientific booth 9 / G51 during Biotechnica 2010, being held October 5–7, 2010 in Hannover, Germany.

By eliminating matrix coatings and feeder cells, the Nunclon Vita surface reduces culture variability and is less labor-intensive than cell lines that require matrix coatings or feeder cells. The Nunclon Vita surface treatment is much more adaptable for scalable cell expansion as cells grow directly on the polystyrene surface. In addition, the new surface works in synergy with a ROCK inhibitor for expansion of human ESC, IPS, as well as human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) to enable enzymatic and mechanical passage protocols.

Thermo Scientific Nunclon Vita is the latest addition to an exceptional portfolio of cell culture surface products, including the Thermo Scientific Nunclon Delta surface, and joins an extensive range of technologies and products for all basic and advanced cell-based research.