Merck Millipore launches new PluriSTEM medium for stem cells

Merck Millipore has announced the launch of its new PluriSTEM Human ES/iPS Medium, for use in the development of human embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Using this medium, the routine expansion of ES and iPS cells in feeder- and serum-free conditions can be achieved with less frequent feeding and a reduced cell culture time.

It is the first media of its kind to incorporate small molecule inhibitors with pluripotent specific growth factors and supplements to enable a less rigorous cell culture regiment, thus saving time and lowering costs.

Whereas traditional human ES/iPS cell culture methods required feeding every day, PluriSTEM can be fed every other day without needing to include weekends.

Nick Asbrock, stem cell product manager at Merck Millipore's bioscience business unit, said: "With the addition of the new medium to our stem cell product portfolio, Merck Millipore now offers a complete workflow solution for human ES and iPS culture systems."

Last month, the company announced a new collaboration with PharmaCell to develop methods of expanding the harvesting of HepaRG cells using bioreactor technology.