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Optimizing derivation, expansion and differentiation of suspension reprogrammed stem cell cultures

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Design Award

  • Design Excellence Award Winner

Project Overview

Reprogramming adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), as well as their subsequent expansion and differentiation, is normally completed in adherent cell cultures. Recently, it has been proven that iPSCs can be derived and expanded in suspension cultures using a stirred suspension bioreactor. These reactors establish stable cell culture conditions by controlling the temperature as well as the level of nutrients (media), CO2 (pH), O2, and other soluble factors. The suspension components are uniformly distributed within the reactor fluid through various mixing techniques, most commonly an impeller. The process of adult cell reprogramming and iPSC expansion and differentiation can be scaled up and automated using bioreactor stirred suspension cultures.

Dr. Saha has asked our team to design a bioreactor that maximizes the production of neural progenitor cells from mouse embryonic fibroblasts in stirred suspension cultures. The project involves designing culture processes and optimizing culture conditions to reprogram adult cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiate those iPSCs to neural progenitors.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Jeff Groskopf, Ian Linsmeier, Lisa Kohli, Tyler Klann
Team members from left to right: Jeff Groskopf, Ian Linsmeier, Lisa Kohli, Tyler Klann

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Lisa Kohli - Team Leader
  • Jeff Groskopf - Communicator
  • Ian Linsmeier - BSAC
  • Tyler Klann - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Tracy Jane Puccinelli - Advisor
  • Dr. Kris Saha - Client

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