On September 16th, there will be a live webinar presentation given by Dr. Kristi Hohenstein, to discuss a novel technique for stem cell propagation and EB generation using laser enabled analysis and processing technology. During the webinar, Dr. Hohenstein will share results from a novel method for more efficient, standardized passage of embryonic stem cell cultures. The method can also be used for direct generation of embryoid bodies of specific sizes. The results from both experiments demonstrate two highly reproducible methods for propagation of large-scale stem cell cultures and can significantly improve the efficiency of ESC/iPSC differentiation for generation of specialized cell types to be used in cell-based screening and therapeutics. Title: Standardizing Stem Cell Cultures to Maximize Differentiation Potential Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST Please reserve your Webinar seat at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/490910290 After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Abstract Derivation and propagation of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell (ESC/iPSC) lines are common tasks in stem cell biology, yet typical procedures vary extensively among laboratories. Manual methods are generally preferred because they result in consistent stem cell cultures, whereas enzymatic techniques are more widely used due to their scalability, but at the expense of reproducibility. To address these challenges, Cyntellect has developed innovative stem cell applications using the LEAPTM cell processing Workstation. More specifically, the Stem Cell Passage application is a novel approach for efficient, standardized passage of embryonic stem cell cultures. LEAP uses a laser to section undifferentiated stem cell colonies into cell clusters of defined size, resulting in more uniform colonies than current methodologies. A second novel application, EB Generation, provides the direct generation of embryoid bodies of specific sizes. This unique application is used to physically section stem cell cultures into defined sizes for the purpose of generating homogenous, uniformly-sized EB populations. Results demonstrate specific sized EBs differentiate more efficiently into neurons and cardiomyocytes than typical heterogeneous EB cultures. These novel applications provide automated, reproducible methods for propagation of large-scale ESC/iPSC cultures and can significantly improve the efficiency of ESC/iPSC differentiation for generation of specialized cell types for cell-based screening and therapeutics.