Automated generation of embryoid bodies of specific sizes powered by LEAP

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Embryoid body (EB) formation is a common intermediate during the in vitro differentiation of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCS, iPSCs) into specialized cell types. EBs are typically generated by removing stem cell colonies from matrix contact, resulting in an irreproducible, heterogeneous EB population with limited differentiation potential and low production yields. The EB Generation Application on LEAP provides an efficient, automated, method for production of uniform EBs of specific size. The ability to produce homogeneous EB populations of desired size has signifcantly increased the differentiation potential of iPSCs into cardiomyocytes, neural progenitor cells, motor neurons, and hepatocytes. The EB Generation Application provides several important benefits to the stem cell user:

• Automated, large-scale generation of EBs of specific size from human stem cells
• Reproducible and consistent EB cultures
• Increased differentiation potential of stem cells
• Higher production yield of specialized cell types
• Sytematic comparison of the differenitation potential of varying stem cell lines
• In situ laser processing is done with the microplate lid in place, reducing the risk of contamination