Microbial Stem Cell Technology

UW ID: 18-057

Description of Technology

Stem cells are cells that do not have a specific job or function, but they do have the potential to become any other cell in a human body. Our bodies usually use stem cells to replace worn out cells when they die. Scientists hope that stem cells can be used to create a very personalized kind of medicine that would allow a person’s body parts to be replaced with their own body parts that have been grown from stem cells. This growing process requires that additional stem cells, more than what is naturally in our bodies, are used. This means that stem cells must be created artificially. Currently, the most popular industrial fermentation processes involve batch microbial cultures producing a biosynthetic product. Problems arise with this method when trying to obtain high product yield because of the rapid accumulation of genetic mutants that are non-producing. This can lower the product yield, eventually leading to a stop in the process to renew everything and start the process over.

Researchers at the University of Wyoming have invented a way to grow stem cells called Microbial stem cell technology. This technology does not have the problem of producing stem cells in batches and can continuously produce. It works by enabling the growth of a microbial culture to stably maintain two or more distinct cell types in a ratio that can be genetically programmed and/or dynamically controlled during cultivation. This increases product yield in microbial fermentations and enables advanced engineering of biomaterials using genetically engineered microbial cells.

Applications

This technology can be used to create stem cells continuously which increases the yield produced. These stem cells can then be used for medical applications like replacing tissue.

Features and Benefits

Creates stem cells in a continuous process
Increases yield of stem cells produced
Cell types can be grown in a ratio that can be genetically programmed and/or dynamically controlled during cultivation

Downloadable PDF: 18-057