Invitrogen Introduces Disposable Stem Cell Passaging Tool

Invitrogen has launched a new disposable device to simplify manual passaging, the process of dividing human embryonic stem cell (hESC) colonies.

The tool, STEMPRO® EZPassage™, will substantially reduce the time required for this crucial step in stem cell research, improve the uniformity and consistency of manual passaging and decrease the amount of training required for newcomers to the field.

The ability to self renew and continually divide is a main characteristic of embryonic stem cells. Cells replicate in culture, form colonies, and eventually outgrow the dish in which they were placed.

Researchers must then "passage" the cells to a new dish to allow them to continue growing. Current manual and enzymatic passaging processes are labor-intensive, can take more than 20 minutes, and result in passaged colonies of non-uniform size.

By contrast, the passaging process with STEMPRO® EZ Passage™ can take less than a minute, and the resulting stem cell sub-colonies are uniform. In addition, unlike traditional methods, no extensive training is required for using the STEMPRO® EZ Passage™.

"Passaging is a critical part of any stem cell researcher's workflow," said Joydeep Goswami, Vice President, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine.

"However, the process has traditionally been painfully laborious and the results are generally less than optimal.

Invitrogen's STEMPRO® EZ Passage™ is a truly innovative product, one that works fast, is easy to use, produces reliable, uniform results and makes the process of growing stem cells less intimidating for those new to the field."