Abstract
This paper reports on mass production of embryonic bodies (EBs) of human iPS cells by using Tapered Stencil for Cluster Culture device combined with gas/liquid permeable membrane. The device has an array of tapered square microwells, 500μm on a side at the top. The top of the wall separating microwells forms knife-edge so that each cell falls into any one of the microwells. The surface is modified with hydrophilic polymer to prevent cell adhesion. Thus, the cells seeded on the device aggregate at the bottom sealed with porous membrane, and thus, the cells self-assemble into EBs in each microwell. Compared to the previous device with non-permeable bottom, viability of EB were improved by >200% in 6day culture.
