Automated, scalable culture of human embryonic stem cells in feeder free conditions Rob Thomas David Anderson Amit Chandra Nigel M. Smith Lorraine E. Young David Williams Chris Denning 2134/4240 https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Automated_scalable_culture_of_human_embryonic_stem_cells_in_feeder_free_conditions/9545834 Large-scale manufacture of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is prerequisite to their widespread use in biomedical applications. However, current hESC culture strategies are labor-intensive and employ highly variable processes, presenting challenges for scaled production and commercial development. Here we demonstrate that passaging of the hESC lines, HUES7, and NOTT1, with trypsin in feeder-free conditions, is compatible with complete automation on the CompacT SelecT, a commercially available and industrially relevant robotic platform. Pluripotency was successfully retained, as evidenced by consistent proliferation during serial passage, expression of stem cell markers (OCT4, NANOG, TRA1-81, and SSEA-4), stable karyotype, and multi-germlayer differentiation in vitro, including to pharmacologically responsive cardiomyocytes. Automation of hESC culture will expedite cell-use in clinical, scientific, and industrial applications. 2009-02-17 16:49:52 Human embryonic stem cells Automation CompacT SelecT Scalability Process control Mechanical Engineering not elsewhere classified