Feeder-Layer Free Culture System for Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Due to their unique properties, hESCs might be used for research fields such as self-renewal, specific lineage differentiation, human developmental biology, and teratology. hESCs also have outstanding potential to serve for clinical purposes as a source for cell-based therapies. Traditionally, these cells are cultured and derived with mouse embryonic fibroblast as supportive layer, using a medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum. Future industrial and clinical implementation of hESCs will require the use of a defined medium and an animal-free culture method that will prevent their possible exposure to animal pathogens. This chapter discusses the advancements in the development of methods for the defined culture of hESCs and describes a simple method for animals serum-free and feeder layer-free culture of hESCs.