EmCell delegate participated in I ESH-EMBT Conference on Biobanking organized by European School of Hematology held on January 28-31, 2005 in Saggart, Co. Dublin, IRELAND

Presented was the following report:

Cryobank of Human Embryonic Cell Suspensions Containing Stem Cells: 14-Year Maintenance Experience

CRYOBANK OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC CELL SUSPENSIONS
CONTAINING STEM CELLS:
14-YEAR MAINTENANCE EXEPRIENCE

Smikodub O., Samus N., Arkhipenko I., Kozlova Y.
Embryonic Tissues Centre “EmCell”

17 Solomenskaya Str., POB 80, Kiev 03110, Ukraine
E-mail: infocenter@emcell.com

In the course of 10 years, Embryonic Tissues Centre EmCell has been maintaining cryobank of embryonic cell suspensions containing stem cells used for transplantation and implantation. Biobank stores more than 10 000 suspension samples.

Cryobank contains cell suspensions prepared in liquid nutrient medium. Cell suspensions containing stem cells are obtained from germ layers of organs and tissues (e.g. embryonic liver, spleen, brain etc.) of 4-8 weeks old human cadaverous embryos. Cell content of the suspension can be described as follows: (types of the cells) mesenchymal (haematopoietic, non- haematopoietic, dendritic), endodermal, ectodermal.

Cadaverous embryonic material is obtained in compliance with of applicable law of Ukraine, from planned legal abortions in a state clinic, with consent of anonymous donor for application of embryonic material for scientific purposes.

EmCell pioneered in Ukraine preparation and publication of methodical guidelines Ethical Issues of Biomedical Research and Experience in Human Embryonic Tissues Manipulation  developed for scientists and clinicians working with embryonic cells and tissues.

Preparation of cell suspensions for cryopreservation is performed with the use of dimethyl sulfoxide cryoprotector.

Cells are frosted in liquid nitrogen by means of cryopreserver KRIO/Serie III (Messer Griesheim, Germany) in accordance with specially developed program allowing for viability of cryopreserved cells.

After the preliminary check for bacterial, virus, mycoplasmal, and mycological contamination, suspension samples are stored in the cryobank.