Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
standardization of production processes is becoming increasingly
important in the stem cell sciences.
Training provision is big business across a number of sectors
globally. At Cellular Dynamics International, training is offered in
the handling techniques best used with the cells that they make
through free video presentations on their website (
http://www.
cellulardynamics.com
). For a more detailed training programme in
iPSC techniques, a certification programme can be done in-house for
a fee (
http://www.cellulardynamics.com
). Cellular Dynamics
International currently offers only one programme - designed for
use with their proprietary technology iCell Cardiomyocytes -
although it might be expected that more programmes are in
development to go with their other cellular products. The programme
is run in small groups over two days at the company's laboratories
(
http://www.cellulardyamics.com
). The course covers handling the
iPSCs and analytical skills for using iPSCs in current industrial
contexts (
http://www.cellulardynamics.com
).
The training programme offered by Cellular Dynamics
International is thus intended to be a highly specialized skill set for
those already familiar with cell culturing and wanting specific
experience with these particular iPSCs. As discussed earlier, one of
the continuing difficulties with iPSC-based technologies is that
multiple derivation methods have been developed since 2006.
Combined with the challenges of standardization, the diversity of
iPSC derivation methods means that there is yet to be any clear
benchmark created for the production of iPSCs. Consequently, in
this space there currently exists capacity for individual laboratories
to develop a reputation as having particularly good technical
capacity that others might want to emulate. Cellular Dynamics
International, a spin-out company established by the team that
published one of the first studies on human iPSCs, is capitalising on
its existing reputation at the cutting-edge of the field: on its website
it claims to be 'an industry leader' (
http://www.cellulardynamics.com
).
The training programme offered by StemGent (
http://www.
stemgent.com
) is similar to that offered by Cellular Dynamics
International, although not focused on proprietary handling
techniques of their own products. StemGent's course is offered as
