Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for promoting a conversion in stem cells or cells derived therefrom from glycolysis to aerobic respiration and its associated pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and pyruvate decarboxylation, for example. In specific embodiments, certain media is employed to improve metabolic maturation of particular stem cell-derived cells, including human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells, for example. Particular media comprises media without glucose or optionally without pyruvate, with fatty acids, with L-carnitine, with taurine, creatine, non-essential amino acids, L-glutamine, and with anti-oxidants or free-radical scavengers, for example.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for promoting a conversion in stem cells or cells derived therefrom from glycolysis to aerobic respiration and its associated pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and pyruvate decarboxylation, for example. In specific embodiments, certain media is employed to improve metabolic maturation of particular stem cell-derived cells, including human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells, for example. Particular media comprises media without glucose or optionally without pyruvate, with fatty acids, with L-carnitine, with taurine, creatine, non-essential amino acids, L-glutamine, and with anti-oxidants or free-radical scavengers, for example.