Stem Cell Bioprocessing

Stem cell bioprocessing describes the main large-scale bioprocessing strategies for both stem cell culture and purification, envisaging the application of these cells for regenerative medicine and drug screening. Bioreactor configurations are described, including their applications for stem cell expansion, and stem cell separation techniques such as isolation and purification are discussed. Basic definitions are provided concerning the different types of stem cells, from adult stem cells to the more recent induced pluripotent stem cells. The main characteristics of these different stem cell types are described, alongside the molecular mechanisms underlying their self-renewal and differentiation. The book also focuses on methodologies currently used for in vitro stem cell culture under static conditions, including the challenge of xeno-free culture conditions, as well as culture parameters that influence stem cell culture. Approaches for both stem cell culture and separation in micro-scale conditions are presented, including the use of cellular microarrays for high-throughput screening of the effect of both soluble and extracellular matrix molecules. A further section is dedicated to application of stem cells for regenerative medicine.

• Maintains a unique focus on both the basic stem cell biology concepts, and their translation to large-scale bioprocessing approaches
• Envisages the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and drug screening applications
• Discusses the application of microscale techniques as a tool to perform basic stem cell biology studies

Autorentext

Dr Tiago G. Fernandes is currently a Post-doctoral research fellow at the Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Lisbon, Portugal. His research interests are focused on the development of artificial cellular niches for studying the mechanisms that affect human stem cell pluripotency, and the cellular and molecular events that regulate stem cell functions. During his doctoral studies he also worked at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, USA, in the development of microscale platforms for high-throughput studies of stem cell fate.

Inhalt

List of figures

List of tables

Acknowledgments

About the authors

Chapter 1: Characteristics of stem cells

Abstract:

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Stem cell specialization

1.3 Stem cell types and functions

1.4 Signaling dynamics and stem cell pluripotency

1.5 Novel technologies and clinical applications

1.6 References

Chapter 2: Stem cell culture: mimicking the stem cell niche in vitro

Abstract:

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Stem cell niches

2.3 Niche components and structures

2.4 Engineering the microenvironment

2.5 Conclusions and future directions

2.6 References

Chapter 3: Bioreactors for stem cell culture

Abstract:

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Stem cell isolation and characterization

3.3 Critical issues in stem cell bioprocess development

3.4 Bioreactor design and operation

3.5 Bioreactor configurations

3.6 Bioprocess monitoring and control

3.7 Stem cell cultivation in bioreactors

3.8 Conclusions and final remarks

3.9 References

Chapter 4: Stem cell separation

Abstract:

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Overview of cell separation techniques and strategies

4.3 Stem cell-based separation methods

4.4 Conclusions and future trends

4.5 References

Chapter 5: Microscale technologies for stem cell culture

Abstract:

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Types of microscale technologies

5.3 Microscale platforms for cell culture

5.4 High-throughput and combinatorial screening applications

5.5 Stem cell research

5.6 Conclusions and future trends

5.7 References

Chapter 6: Stem cells and regenerative medicine

Abstract:

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Sources of cells for regenerative medicine

6.3 Cell processing for regenerative medicine: regulatory guidelines

6.4 Regenerative medicine and cellular therapy applications

6.5 Conclusions and future developments

6.6 References

Conclusions

7.1 Concluding comments

7.2 References

Index