Feeder-free self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells in 3D porous natural polymer scaffolds

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are routinely cultured on fibroblast feeder layers or in fibroblast-conditioned medium, which requires continued supply of feeder cells and poses the risks of xenogenic contamination and other complications such as feeder-dependent outcome. Here, we demonstrate a strategy that supports sustained self-renewal of hESCs in a three-dimensional porous natural polymer scaffold, comprised of chitosan and alginate,...