Abstract: Technology is provided for the transfer of human blastocyst-derived stem cells (hBS cells) to a feeder-free culture system and propagation of the cells in such a feeder-free culture system, the method comprising the following steps of (a) transferring the blastocyst-derived stem cells from feeder to feeder free culture by mechanical treatment, (b) culturing the blastocyst-derived stem cells under feeder cell free growth conditions in a suitable growth medium and/or on a suitable support substrate, and (c) optionally passaging the blastocyst derived stem cell line every 3-10 days by enzymatic and/or mechanical treatment. The application of hBS cells cultured under a feeder-free condition in medicine (e.g., myocardial regeneration) and screening and toxicity testing also is provided.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a stable xeno-free hBS cell line, xeno-free hBS cell lines obtained according to said method and use thereof.

Abstract: A method for the transfer of human blastocyst-derived stem cells (hBS cells) to feeder-free culture system and propagation of the cells in such a feeder-free culture system, the method comprising the following steps of (a) transferring the balstocyst-derived stem cells from feeder to feeder free culture by mechanical treatment, (b) optionally, culturing the blastocyst-derived stem cells under feeder cell free growth conditions in a suitable growth medium and/or on a suitable support substrate, and (c) optionally passaging the blastocyst derived stem cell line every 3-10 days by enzymatic and/or mechanical treatment. The invention also relates to the application of hBS cells cultured under feeder free condition in medicine (e.g., myocardial regeneration) and screening and toxicity tests.

Abstract: An improved method for vitrification of biological cells, especially blastocyst-derived stem cells (BS cells). The method is very mild for the cells that remain viable after they have been thawed. The method comprises, i) transfer of the cells to a first solution (solution A), ii) optionally incubation of the cells in the first solution, iii) transfer the cells obtained in step i) or ii) to a second solution (solution B), iv) optionally incubation of the cells in the second solution, v) transfer of the cells obtained from step iii) or iv) into one or more closed straws with dimensions that allow a volume of at least 20 ?l to be contained in them vi) sealing the one or more closed straws, and vii) vitrification of the one or more closed straws. An important feature of the present invention is the use of closed straw and that relatively large volumes can be efficiently vitrified and subsequently thawed.

Abstract: A rapid, simple and efficient method for the generation of neural progenitor cells from pluripotent/undifferentiated human blastocyst-derived stem (hBS) cells, neural progenitor cells obtained by the method and further differentiation of these cells into the three neural cell lineages, and the use of the neural progenitor cells and the differentiated cells in the preparation of medicaments. An important feature of the method is that neural progenitor cells are produced without a step involving formation of embryoid bodies (EB), improving the efficiency and the reducing the time for generation as compared to known methods.

Abstract: An improved method for vitrification of biological cells, especially blastocyst-derived stem cells (BS cells). The method is very mild for the cells that remain viable after they have been thawed. The method comprises, i) transfer of the cells to a first solution (solution A), ii) optionally incubation of the cells in the first solution, iii) transfer the cells obtained in step i) or ii) to a second solution (solution B), iv) optionally incubation of the cells in the second solution, v) transfer of the cells obtained from step iii) or iv) into one or more closed straws with dimensions that allow a volume of at least 20 ?l to be contained in them vi) sealing the one or more closed straws, and vii) vitrification of the one or more closed straws. An important feature of the present invention is the use of closed straw and that relatively large volumes can be efficiently vitrified and subsequently thawed.