Poster Presentations
The Xeno-Free Growth and Multilineage Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in VitroGel® Synthetic Hydrogels and RocketCell™ Media Systems
Abstract #7730 at ISSCR 2026
- Poster T1181
- Poster Session: July 9, 2026
- Presentation Time: 4:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M.
- Presenter: Rick Cohen, Ph.D.
Authors: Rick Cohen, Ph.D., Kalhara Menikdiwela, Ph.D., John Huang, Ph.D.
Abstract:
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a powerful launch point to study the cellular mechanisms of the developing embryo and the formation of organ systems. Further, they provide an invaluable tool for developing patient-specific models for studying disease processes and drug discovery. However, many in vitro studies have been conducted in 2D, overlooking important cues from the native 3D environment. Therefore, optimizing the growth and differentiation in a defined and native 3D state is of paramount importance to be able to replace animal models with accurate human counterparts for a more reproducible scientific and medical discovery process. In this study, we used a combination of VitroGel® STEM, a synthetic functionalized and xeno-free hydrogel, with RocketCell™ 3D iPSC Xeno-Free Growth Kit to support robust iPSC expansion, maintenance of pluripotency, and for the initial steps of ectodermal and endodermal lineage induction.
Subsequently, newly differentiated ectodermal cells were guided into a neuronal state using a Floor Plate Neuroepithelium Model, and finally into neurons using VitroGel® NEURON, a specialized hydrogel designed to facilitate neuronal adhesion, outgrowth, and synaptic connectivity. Emergence of the intestinal lineage used a multistage protocol with VitroGel® STEM with RocketCell™ Organoid Xeno-Free Essential Core Medium from Definitive Endoderm, through the development of the midgut. Finally, differentiation into Intestinal Organoids in VitroGel® ORGANOID-5, which were further expanded using RocketCell™ Intestinal Organoid Xeno-Free Growth Kit. Similarly, Liver Organoids were developed from Definitive and Hepatic Endoderm stages using VitroGel® STEM, and RocketCell™ Organoid Xeno-Free Essential Core Medium, then differentiated into Liver Organoids using a multi-step protocol with VitroGel® ORGANOID-5. The expanding Xeno-Free VitroGel® hydrogel platform, together with the defined Xeno-Free RocketCell™ Media system, offers a well-vetted avenue to develop both multilineage IPSC and tissue-derived organoids in a more medically relevant 3D system for many studies, including toxicology and drug discovery.
Please complete the form below to request the poster. Available on July 9. 2026
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