Description
StemBeads® FGF2 and StemBeads® EGF are patented growth factor supplements that offer a novel way to culture cells with native Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 or Epidermal Growth Factor more efficiently. FGF2 and EGF are key for the growth of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), fibroblast cells, wound healing cells such as macrophages, cancer cells, and neural progenitor cells (NPCs). StemBeads® are microbeads composed of an FDA approved, biodegradable PLGA polymer that is loaded with native recombinant human FGF2 or EGF and release the encapsulated protein at a constant rate. Under the microscope, StemBeads® will appear as small dark spheres that do not harm the cells, and with time, will break down while releasing the encapsulated protein. Controlled delivery and stable levels overcome the 4.5 hour half-life (Figure below) of FGF2 and improve cell cultures while saving researchers valuable time and resources.
StemBeads® FGF2 and StemBeads® EGF have been tested in media such as mTeSR, mTeSR plus, Stemflex, Flex 8, Nutristem, 10% FBS, and neuronal medium including neural progenitor expansion medium (NPEM) with enhanced cellular profiles. StemBeads® can be combined with other StemBeads® varieties.
StemBeads FGF2 Product Information Sheet
StemBeads EGF Product Information Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
SDS – StemBeads® FGF2
SDS – StemBeads® EGF
Sustained Release Protein Cell Culture
StemBeads are a revolutionary controlled-release growth factor technology. The StemBeads product is currently used for improved cell culture in more than 100 scientific laboratories globally. StemBeads technology encapsulates a growth factor in a PLGA hydrogel that stabilizes the protein and releases it steadily over several days. With growth factor levels stabilized, spontaneous differentiation is reduced, pluripotency is increased, and feeding schedules are reduced to only 2-3 times per week.
StemBeads are added to your medium to achieve a desired growth factor release, sustained over several days. Following, the beads are washed from the culture, the medium is replaced, and the process repeated as required.
