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10→1 Reform: Small Volume Custom iPS Cell Production
― Dissolvable microcarriers play a part —
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In our email newsletter for February 2025, we introduced the “my iPS® Project,” which is being carried out by the iPS Cell Research Foundation, Kyoto University. The project aimed to provide research institutions and commercial enterprises with autologous induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for approximately ¥1 million by reducing costs associated with establishing, proliferating, and differentiating them using closed automated culture systems and developing 3D culture processes.
Herein, we introduce a paper related to “my iPS® Project,” detailing the prototyping of a closed automated cell-processing system using small cell culture bags.
The “my iPS” is a registered trademark of the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation.
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Consolidating 10 Manufacturing Steps into a Single Closed System
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Establishing iPS cells and obtaining differentiated cells requires a 10-step manufacturing process. The methods currently used in good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant facilities necessitate 5–6 personnel. Therefore, a single integrated platform comprising interconnected small-sized cell culture bags was proposed as suitable for manufacturing small batches of custom iPS cells.
A key requirement for such a system is the ability to move cells between each manufacturing process step without detaching them. To achieve this, the authors utilized soluble atelocollagen-based microcarriers (atelocollagen microspheres) that settle to the bottom when stationary, and can transport iPS cells along with the culture medium.
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Preferential Selection of Monocytes Using Atelocollagen
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Methods for selecting cell types among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)are also being investigated to suppress epigenetic mechanisms and maintain the quality of iPS cells produced. Analysis of atelocollagen-adherent single cells showed them to have a high proportion of monocytes, while nonadherent cells had a high proportion of T cells. Additionally, comparative experiments using multiple culture media containing microspheres demonstrated their suitability as scaffold material for reprogramming iPSCs without being affected by specific media components.
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Recovery of iPS Cells Using Collagenase
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After culturing iPS cells on atelocollagen microspheres, GMP-grade collagenase was added and incubated at 37℃ for a specified time. This study confirmed the complete dissolution of these microspheres. Additionally, trypsin disrupts cell–cell adhesion; however, collagenase allowed iPS cells to maintain intercellular adhesion during recovery, suggesting that differentiated cells can also be obtained as tissue.
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Evaluation of Differentiation Potential of iPS Cells
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When iPS cells were cultured on each substrate type and differentiated into cardiomyocytes or dopaminergic neurons, expression of cell-specific markers on atelocollagen microspheres was confirmed. Additionally, a pilot study using a prototype closed-system automated culture device with plastic containers demonstrated a complete workflow—from establishing iPS cells on microspheres sourced from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to inducing their differentiation into pancreatic progenitor cells.
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Source: Cytotherapy. 2025 Nov;27(11):1351-1361.
Created by modifying figures 2A, 2C, 4G, 4H, S1A, S1B. © 2025 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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Soluble Atelocollagen-based Microcarriers Used in the Paper
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Atelocollagen Microspheres (Cat No. MIC-00)
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We have planned exhibition at two events in March 2026. Please visit us at the meeting venue to review our atelocollagen products.
1. The 25th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine + JSRM-ISCT Joint International Conference on iPSCs 2026
Dates: March 19 (Thursday) to March 21 (Saturday), 2026
Venue: Kobe International Exhibition Hall 2
Booth: B-44
2. The 146th Annual Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan
Dates: March 27 (Friday) to March 29 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Kansai University, Senriyama Campus, Building 4, B1F
Booth: No. 2, Hall 59 (Room 4001)
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