How much do small deviations from the protocol (e.g., a daily medium change delayed 12–18 hours, etc.) affect the functionality of the hiPS cell-derived hepatocytes? Which step(s) are the most critical ones?

We insist that you strictly adhere to the protocol to maximize the success of your differentiation. Please view our Tips & Tricks page, which highlights the most critical steps of the protocol. Stem Cell [...]

Which culture vessels are suitable?

For DE differentiation, culture flasks are optimal. The smallest recommended cell culture vessels for DE differentiation are 6-well plates. For hepatocyte differentiation, 24-well and 96-well plates are recommended. Larger vessels such as culture flasks can also be used. Stem Cell [...]

Is it possible to expand the hiPS cell-derived hepatocytes?

No, hepatocytes derived with the Cellartis iPS Cell to Hepatocyte Differentiation System cells are terminally differentiated hepatocytes that are unable to proliferate. Stem Cell [...]

For how many passages can the DE cells be maintained? Can the DE cells be scaled up?

The DE cells should have proliferative capacity; Hannan et al. 2013 described a protocol for expanding DE cells/foregut endoderm derived with their DE differentiation protocol. However, we haven't tried it on the DE cells derived with our differentiation protocol, and we do not have any medium for maintenance/expansion of the DE cells. Reference Hannan, N. R. F. et al. Generation of [...]

How is the Cellartis iPS Cell to Hepatocyte Differentiation System shipped?

Some components of the Cellartis DEF-CS 100 Culture System are shipped at 4°C (on blue ice) and some are shipped on dry ice. The Cellartis Definitive Endoderm Differentiation Kit and Cellartis Hepatocyte Differentiation Kit are shipped on dry ice. Stem Cell [...]