PhD Seminar: Integrated strategies for human stem cell expansion and neuronal differentiation

ITQB PhD Seminar

Title: Integrated Strategies for human stem cell expansion and Neuronal differentiation

Speaker: Maria Margarida Serra

Laboratory: Animal Cell Technology, ITQB

Abstract

Human stem cells are cellular resources with outstanding potential for cell therapy, tissue engineering, drug discovery and toxicology. However, for the fulfilment of these applications, major challenges remain to be met. Of paramount importance is the development of efficient systems for in vitro cell expansion and differentiation. Within this context, we have been exploiting the potential of bioreactor technology to develop scalable and reproducible bioprocesses for pluripotent stem cells. Stirred suspension bioreactors have been used, as they are hydrodynamically well characterized, enable culture homogeneity and control of culture parameters.
A summary of different strategies developed for diverse stem cell types will be presented. Microcarrier and bioreactor technologies were successfully combined for expansion of undifferentiated adult pancreatic stem cells. Cells were immobilized on Cytodex 3, resulting in a stem cell population that retained pluripotent characteristics: self-renewal and differentiation potential. In another approach, an integrated strategy for expansion and neuronal differentiation of embryonal carcinoma stem cells was developed by culturing the cells as 3D-aggregates. Neuronal yield assessment showed that this novel culture strategy improves neuronal differentiation efficiency by 10-fold, compared to previous methodologies using static conditions, with a significant reduction in the process time.
The strategies explored are one step forward towards the development of robust bioprocesses, creating a promising tool with huge potential for cell therapy and in vitro toxicology applications.

Short CV

1998-2003 - Degree in Biological Engineering by Instituto Superior Técnico – Universidade Técnica de Lisboa
2004-2006 - Research assistant at Animal Cell Technology Laboratory, ITQB-UNL/IBET
Since 2007 - PhD student at Animal Cell Technology Laboratory under supervision of Dr. Paula Alves.