Collecting and differentiating mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord blood

Abstract

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs have been collected and cultured with IMDM plus 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum). About 7th day, MSCs strongly expand and cover with 70-80% Roux’s surface. At that time, MSCs are subcultured by using trypsin/EDTA 0,25% to provide nutrients and surface for development. MSCs are multipotential stem cells. They can differentiate to many different cell types, such as: osteoblasts, adipocytes, neuron-like cells... MSCs could be differentiated to osteoblasts in IMDM, 10% FBS medium plus dexamethasone, glycerol phosphate, ascorbate, acid ascorbic; to adipocytes in IMDM, 10% FBS plus isobutyl-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, insulin, indomethacin.