Our Stem Cell Banking and Laboratory

Dr.stemcellsthailand's cellular therapy and stem cell lanoratory at Thailand Science Park

Stem cell banking is a sophisticated process that involves the collection, processing, and cryogenic storage of stem cells for potential future medical use. This practice involves various technical and procedural steps to ensure the viability, quality, and safety of the stored stem cells. This practice is primarily focused on umbilical cord blood and tissue but can also include other sources such as bone marrow and adipose tissue. The overarching goal is to preserve these unique cells at their most viable state for therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine [1][2].

Our Stem Cell Banking and Cellular Therapy Center at the Anti-Aging and Regenerative Center of Thailand exemplifies excellence in the field of regenerative medicine, ensuring the highest safety standards and scientific validation in the manufacturing of cellular therapies. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in treating aging individuals and patients suffering from various degenerative organ diseases—including brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, intestines, pancreas, bones, joints, muscles, and tendons—we operate under stringent regulations set by the Thai FDA. Our state-of-the-art Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Laboratory, located at Thailand Science Park, is not only registered for cellular therapy and pharmaceutical production but also certified for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Additionally, we have achieved ISO4 and Class 10 certifications for ultra-cleanroom cell culture, which guarantees an environment that meets the highest international standards for quality and safety. The efficacy of our Allogenic Stem Cell Transplants is supported by extensive clinical trials, providing a robust scientific foundation for their use in regenerative medicine. By choosing our services, patients can be confident that they are receiving the safest and most effective cellular therapies available, tailored to combat the challenges posed by degenerative diseases.

Understanding Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the remarkable ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. They are classified based on their differentiation potential into:

– Totipotent Stem Cells: Can develop into any cell type, including placental cells.

– Pluripotent Stem Cells: Can give rise to almost any cell type but not placental cells.

– Multipotent Stem Cells: Limited to differentiating into a closely related family of cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells).

– Oligopotent and Unipotent Stem Cells: Further restricted in their differentiation capabilities [1].

Types of Stem Cells Collected

1. Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells: These are collected from the umbilical cord blood at birth. They are rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into various blood cell types.

2. Cord Tissue Stem Cells: These are collected from the umbilical cord tissue itself, which contains mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into bone, cartilage, and muscle cells.

3. Peripheral Blood Stem Cells: These are collected from the bloodstream after the donor is given medication to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood.

4. Bone Marrow Stem Cells: These are directly harvested from the bone marrow, typically from the pelvis.

The most commonly banked stem cells are hematopoietic stem cells found in umbilical cord blood, which can differentiate into all types of blood cells, making them crucial for treating various blood disorders, such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia [3][4].

For more details on different sources of cellular therapy and stem cells used at our center. Click here.

The Stem Cell Banking Process

Collection

– Cord Tissue: A segment of the umbilical cord is collected and processed to extract the mesenchymal stem cells.

The collection of stem cells typically occurs immediately after childbirth. The umbilical cord blood is harvested non-invasively and painlessly, ensuring that both the mother and child experience no discomfort. A trained phlebotomist is usually present to oversee the collection process, which is performed using a specially designed collection kit.

– Umbilical Cord Blood: Immediately after birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Blood is collected from the umbilical vein using a sterile needle and stored in a collection bag.

– Peripheral Blood: The donor receives injections of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to increase stem cell production. Stem cells are then collected via apheresis, where blood is drawn, stem cells are separated, and the remaining blood is returned to the donor.

– Bone Marrow: Stem cells are collected from the bone marrow using a needle under general or local anesthesia.

Processing and Cryopreservation

Once collected, the stem cells undergo processing, which involves isolating the stem cells from the cord blood and other tissues. This is followed by the addition of a cryoprotectant to prevent ice crystal formation during freezing. The cells are then cooled to ultra-low temperatures (typically around -196°C) using liquid nitrogen, which halts all biological activity and preserves the cells for long-term storage.

1. Processing: The collected samples are transported to a laboratory where they undergo processing to isolate and concentrate the stem cells. This involves:

– Cell Separation: Using techniques like density gradient centrifugation to separate stem cells from other blood components.

– Volume Reduction: Reducing the sample volume to concentrate stem cells.

– Cell Counting: Counting the number of viable stem cells using flow cytometry.

– Quality Control: Testing for microbial contamination and ensuring cell viability and potency.

2. Cryopreservation: Processed stem cells are mixed with a cryoprotectant (such as DMSO) to protect them during freezing. The cells are then gradually cooled to -196°C using a controlled-rate freezer and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks.

Storage

Stem cells can be stored indefinitely as long as they remain in a cryogenic state. This preservation method not only protects the cells from contamination and degradation but also ensures that they retain their biological properties, making them available for future therapeutic use. There are two types of stem cell banks available.

– Private Banks: Store stem cells for personal use by the donor or their family. This involves paying a fee for collection, processing, and annual storage.

– Public Banks: Store stem cells for use by anyone in need of a transplant. Donations are typically free, and the stem cells are available to the public.

Applications of Stem Cell Banking and Current Potential

Stem cell banking has significant implications in various fields of medicine, particularly in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies. The stored stem cells can potentially be used for:

– Transplantation: Hematopoietic stem cells from cord blood can be transplanted to treat blood-related diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia.

– Regenerative Medicine: Stem cells can be utilized to treat, repair and replace all major organ degenerative conditions such as heart disease, spinal cord injuries, and certain types of cancer.

– Research: Stem cells banked for research purposes can contribute to advancements in understanding diseases and developing new treatments.

– Personalized Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup and stored stem cells.

Regulatory and Quality Standards

Stem cell banks must adhere to strict regulatory standards to ensure the quality and safety of stored stem cells. These include:

– Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Guidelines to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled.

– Accreditation: From organizations such as the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) or FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy).

– Compliance: With national and international regulations, including those from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or EMA (European Medicines Agency).

Challenges and Considerations

Stem cell banking offers promising potential for future medical treatments, but it requires careful consideration of ethical, regulatory, and financial factors to ensure it is accessible and beneficial for those in need.

While stem cell banking presents numerous benefits, it also faces several challenges:

– Quality Control: Ensuring that the collected stem cells are healthy, have long-term viability of stored stem cells and free from contamination which is critical for their therapeutic efficacy. Each type of stem cell has unique preservation requirements, necessitating tailored protocols for effective storage.

– Regulatory Oversight: The field of stem cell banking is still developing regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and efficacy, which can vary significantly across regions.

– Cost and Accessibility: Private stem cell banking can be expensive, with fees for collection, processing, and long-term storage. This limits access for some families. Public banks may not always meet the demand for stem cells, highlighting the need for broader accessibility.

– Ethical Issues: Concerns about the commercialization of stem cells and access to therapies.

Stem cell banking is a vital component of modern medicine, offering the potential for groundbreaking treatments and therapies. As research continues to evolve, the role of stem cells in healthcare is expected to expand, making stem cell banking an increasingly important practice.

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