Published online Nov 26, 2019. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i11.968
Peer-review started: March 28, 2019
First decision: April 16, 2019
Revised: August 21, 2019
Accepted: August 27, 2019
Article in press: August 27, 2019
Published online: November 26, 2019
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are important resources for cell-based therapies and pharmaceutical applications. In order to realize the potential of hPSCs, it is critical to develop suitable technologies required for specific applications. Most hPSC technologies depend on cell culture, and are critically influenced by culture medium composition, extracellular matrices, handling methods, and culture platforms. This review summarizes the major technological advances in hPSC culture, and highlights the opportunities and challenges in future therapeutic applications.
Core tip: This review summarizes recent developments in cell culture systems for human pluripotent stem cells, including signal transduction requirements at different pluripotency stages, advances in extracellular matrices and handling methods, establishment of chemically defined conditions, and various cell culture platforms for specific purposes.