Corning Incorporated introduced the Corning Synthemax surface, a novel synthetic surface that supports the growth and differentiation of stem cells. The surface is being commercialized as a result of Corning’s ongoing collaboration with Geron Corporation and enables researchers to take the next step towards scalable and cost-effective manufacturing of stem cells for potential therapies in the treatment of degenerative diseases.
Data presented by Corning and Geron at the World Stem Cell Summit in Baltimore, Md. in September 2009 demonstrated multi-passage growth of multiple undifferentiated US Government approved human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines and the subsequent differentiation of one of these cell lines into cardiomyocytes. This is the first time differentiation has been demonstrated and the results presented on a synthetic surface. The growth and differentiation of hESCs on the Synthemax surface is robust and reproducible, an important condition for the large-scale production of cells and therapeutic development.
“The commercialization of the Synthemax surface is a clear proof point of the success of our collaboration with Geron,” said Dr. Jeff Mooney, director of commercial technology for Corning Life Sciences. “Leveraging our unique expertise in materials and surfaces as well as Geron’s advanced therapeutic stem cell techniques, we have been able to develop what we believe is the first and only synthetic surface in the world to enable this level of stem cell growth and differentiation.”
The Corning Synthemax surface allows for the scalable expansion of hESCs for more than 20 serial passages in defined xeno-free medium with:
· Stable doubling time;
· Phenotypic marker expression (Oct4, TRA-1-60, SSEA4);
· Retention of normal karyotype; and,
· Maintenance of pluripotency
Since 2006, Corning has worked with Geron to develop synthetic surface matrices to support the scalable manufacturing of hESCs and derived differentiated cell types (e.g., cardiomyocytes). Synthetic growth surfaces could replace the biological surface coatings that are widely used today to grow and differentiate pluripotent stem cells and may offer increased reproducibility, cost savings, and regulatory advantages.
Laboratory products using specialized surfaces, such as the Synthemax surface, are being commercialized by Corning. Currently, Corning’s 6 well plate with the Corning Synthemax surface is available in North America.
Corning Life Sciences brings new and innovative laboratory technologies to researchers worldwide and helps customers succeed by providing innovative, high-quality products and services in the areas of polymer science, biochemistry and molecular biology, glass melting and forming, surface modification, and characterization science.
