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StemSpanā„¢ SFEM

Serum-free medium for culture and expansion of hematopoietic cells

StemSpanā„¢ SFEM

Serum-free medium for culture and expansion of hematopoietic cells

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Serum-free medium for culture and expansion of hematopoietic cells
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Overview

StemSpanā„¢ Serum-Free Expansion Medium (SFEM) has been developed and tested for the in vitro culture and expansion of human hematopoietic cells, when the appropriate growth factors and supplements are added. This allows users the flexibility to prepare medium that meets their requirements. When combined with the appropriate cytokines, SFEM has been used for the culture and expansion of hematopoietic cells isolated from other species, including mouse, non-human primate, and dog. SFEM has also been used for culture of various other hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cell types. Using appropriate StemSpanā„¢ Expansion Supplements, SFEM may be used to expand CD34+ cells isolated from human cord blood, mobilized peripheral blood, or bone marrow samples, or to expand and differentiate lineage-committed progenitors to generate populations of erythroid, myeloid, or megakaryocyte progenitor cells.

StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II (Catalog #09605) is an improved version of StemSpanā„¢ SFEM that is further enriched to promote and support higher rates of CD34+ expansion and/or cell differentiation.
Contains
• Iscove’s MDM
• Bovine serum albumin
• Recombinant human insulin
• Human transferrin (iron-saturated)
• 2-Mercaptoethanol
• Supplements
Subtype
Specialized Media
Cell Type
Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Species
Human, Mouse, Non-Human Primate, Rat
Application
Cell Culture, Expansion
Brand
StemSpan
Area of Interest
Stem Cell Biology, Transplantation Research
Formulation Category
Serum-Free

Data Figures

Expansion of CD34 + Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpan™ Media Containing CC100 Cytokine Cocktail

Figure 1. Expansion of CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpanā„¢ Media Containing CC100 Cytokine Cocktail

Purified CD34+ human cord blood (CB) cells were suspended at a concentration of 10,000 per mL in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM (dark gray bars), SFEM II (blue bars) and AOF (orange bars) media containing CC100 Cytokine Cocktail (Catalog #02690). Cultures were maintained for 7 days, after which the cells were counted and examined for CD34 and CD45 expression by flow cytometry. Shown are the fold expansion of total nucleated cells (TNC) (A) and CD34+ cells (B) per input CD34+ cell, and the percent CD34 + cells (C). Results represent the average results of 32 different CB samples. Vertical lines indicate 95% confidence limits, the range within which 95% of results fall. The numbers of cells produced in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II were significantly higher than in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM and StemSpanā„¢-AOF (*p<0.001, paired t-test, n=32).

Note: Data for StemSpanā„¢-AOF shown were generated with the original phenol red-containing version StemSpanā„¢-ACF (Catalog #09855). However internal testing showed that the performance of the new phenol red-free, cGMP-manufactured version, StemSpanā„¢-AOF (Catalog #100-0130) was comparable.

StemSpan™ SFEM II Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing CC100 Cytokine Cocktail Supports Greater Expansion of Human CD34 + Cells Than Other Media Tested

Figure 2. Expansion of CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpanā„¢ Media Containing CD34+ Expansion Supplement

Purified CD34+ human cord blood (CB) cells were suspended at a concentration of 10,000 per mL in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM (dark gray bars), SFEM II (blue bars) and AOF (orange bars) media containing CD34+ Expansion Supplement (Catalog #02691). Cultures were maintained for 7 days, after which the cells were counted and examined for CD34 and CD45 expression by flow cytometry. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) in the expanded population was determined by replating cells in MethoCultā„¢ H4435 and counting the number of colonies produced 14 days later. Shown are the fold expansion of total nucleated cells (TNC) (A), CD34+ cells (B) and CFU numbers (C) per input CD34+ cell, and the percent CD34+ cells (D) in these cultures (n=6). Vertical lines indicate 95% confidence limits, the range within which 95% of results fall. The numbers of cells produced in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II was significantly higher than in SFEM and AOF (*p<0.001, #p<0.05, paired t-test, n=6).

Note: Data for StemSpanā„¢-AOF shown were generated with the original phenol red-containing version StemSpanā„¢-ACF (Catalog #09855). However internal testing showed that the performance of the new phenol red-free, cGMP-manufactured version, StemSpanā„¢-AOF (Catalog #100-0130) was comparable.

Expansion of CD34 + Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpan™ Media Containing CD34 + Expansion Supplement

Figure 3. StemSpanā„¢ Media Support Greater Expansion of Human CD34+ and CD34bright Cells than Other Commercial Media

Purified CB-derived CD34+ cells were cultured for 7 days in select StemSpanā„¢ media (StemSpanā„¢ SFEM, StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II, StemSpanā„¢-XF, or StemSpanā„¢-AOF, orange bars), and in five xeno-free media formulations from other suppliers (Xeno-Free Commercial Alternative, grey bars) including (in random order) CTSā„¢ StemProā„¢ HSC (Thermo), SCGM (Cellgenix), X-VIVOā„¢ 15 (Lonza), Stemlineā„¢ II (Sigma), and StemProā„¢-34 (Thermo). All media were supplemented with StemSpanā„¢ CD34+ Expansion Supplement and UM171*. The (A) frequency and (B) cell expansion of viable CD34+ and CD34bright cells in culture were based on viable cell counts and flow cytometry results as shown in Figure 1. StemSpanā„¢ showed significantly higher expansion of CD34+ and CD34bright cells (P < 0.05 when comparing StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II to five media from other suppliers, calculated using a one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test) and StemSpanā„¢-AOF, the only animal origin-free formulation, showed equivalent performance to all xeno-free commericals alternatives tested. Data shown are mean ± SEM (n = 8).

Note: Data for StemSpanā„¢-AOF shown were generated with the original phenol red-containing version StemSpanā„¢-ACF (Catalog #09855). However internal testing showed that the performance of the new phenol red-free, cGMP-manufactured version, StemSpanā„¢-AOF (Catalog #100-0130) was comparable. *Similar results are expected when using UM729 (Catalog #72332) prepared to a final concentration of 1μM. For more information including data comparing UM171 and UM729, see Fares et al., 2014.

StemSpan™ SFEM II Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement Supports Greater Expansion of Megakaryocytes Than Other Media Tested

Figure 4. StemSpanā„¢ Media Support Equal or Greater Expansion of Primitive Human CD34brightCD90+CD45RA- Cells Than Other Commercial Media

Purified CB-derived CD34+ cells were cultured for 7 days in select StemSpanā„¢ media (StemSpanā„¢ SFEM, StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II, StemSpanā„¢-XF, or StemSpanā„¢-AOF, orange bars), and in five xeno-free media formulations from other suppliers (Commercial Alternative, grey bars) including (in random order) CTS StemPro HSC (Thermo), SCGM (Cellgenix), X-VIVO 15 (Lonza), Stemline II (Sigma), and StemPro 34 (Thermo). All media were supplemented with StemSpanā„¢ CD34+ Expansion Supplement and UM171*. The (A) frequency and (B) cell expansion of CD34+CD90+CD45RA- (solid) and CD34brightCD90+CD45RA-(dotted overlay) cells in culture were based on viable cell counts and flow cytometry results as shown in Figure 1. StemSpanā„¢ media showed similar or significantly higher expansion of CD34brightCD90+CD45RA- cells (P < 0.05 compared to five media from other suppliers, calculated using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test) and StemSpanā„¢-AOF, the only animal origin-free formulation tested, showed equivalent performance to all xeno-free commercial alternatives tested. Data shown are mean ± SEM (n = 8).

Note: Data for StemSpanā„¢-AOF shown were generated with the original phenol red-containing version StemSpanā„¢-ACF (Catalog #09855). However internal testing showed that the performance of the new phenol red-free, cGMP-manufactured version, StemSpanā„¢-AOF (Catalog #100-0130) was comparable.

*Similar results are expected when using UM729 (Catalog #72332) prepared to a final concentration of 1μM. For more information including data comparing UM171 and UM729, see Fares et al. 2014.

Table 1. Production of Erythroid Cells From CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Erythroid Expansion Supplement

Production of Erythroid Cells From CD34 + Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpan™ SFEM Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Erythroid Expansion Supplement

Numbers and percent of erythroid cells produced after 14 days of culture of enriched CD34 + cells from 14 different cord blood (CB) samples. Erythroid cells were characterized by flow cytometry on the basis of transferrin receptor (CD71) and glycophorin A (CD235) expression.*95% confidence limits, the range within which 95% of the results fall.

StemSpan™ SFEM II Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement Supports Greater Expansion of Megakaryocytes Than Other Media Tested

Figure 5. StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Erythroid Expansion Supplement Supports Greater Expansion of Erythroid Cells Than Other Media Tested

The numbers of erythroid cells, normalized relative to the values obtained in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM medium (dark gray bar), obtained after culturing purified CD34+ CB cells for 14 days in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM, SFEM II (blue bar) and AOF (orange bar), and six media from other commercial suppliers (light gray bars, commercial alternative 1-6, which included, in random order, X-Vivo-15 and HPGM (both from Lonza), StemLine II (Sigma), HP01 (Macopharma), StemPro34 (Life Technologies) and SCGM (Cellgenix). All media were supplemented with StemSpanā„¢ Erythroid Expansion Supplement (Catalog #02692). Vertical lines indicate 95% confidence limits, the range within which 95% of results fall. The numbers of cells produced in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II were significantly higher than in all other media (*p<0.05, paired t-test, n=6).

Note: Data for StemSpanā„¢-AOF shown were generated with the original phenol red-containing version StemSpanā„¢-ACF (Catalog #09855). However internal testing showed that the performance of the new phenol red-free, cGMP-manufactured version, StemSpanā„¢-AOF (Catalog #100-0130) was comparable.

Table 2. Production of Megakaryocytes From CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpan™ SFEM Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement

Production of Megakaryocytes From CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells Cultured in StemSpan™ SFEM Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement

Numbers and percent of cells expressing the megakaryocyte marker CD41a produced after 14 days of culture of enriched CD34 + cells from 6 independent cord blood (CB) samples. *95% confidence limits, the range within which 95% of the results fall.

StemSpan™ SFEM II Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement Supports Greater Expansion of Megakaryocytes Than Other Media Tested

Figure 6. StemSpanā„¢ SFEM II Serum-Free Expansion Medium Containing Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement Supports Greater Expansion of Megakaryocytes Than Other Media Tested

The numbers of megakaryocytes, normalized relative to the values obtained in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM medium (dark gray bar), obtained after culturing purified CD34+ CB cells for 14 days in StemSpanā„¢ SFEM, SFEM II (blue bar) and AOF (orange bar), and six media from other commercial suppliers (light gray bars, Commercial Alternative 1-6, which included, in random order, StemLine II (Sigma), HPGM (Lonza), HP01 (Macopharma), SCGM (Cellgenix), StemPro34 (Life Technologies) and X-Vivo-15 (Lonza). All media were supplemented with StemSpanā„¢ Megakaryocyte Expansion Supplement (Catalog #02696). Vertical lines indicate 95% confidence limits, the range within which 95% of results fall. The numbers of cells produced in the StemSpanā„¢ media were significantly higher than in the other media (*p<0.01 paired t-test, n=6).

Note: Data for StemSpanā„¢-AOF shown were generated with the original phenol red-containing version StemSpanā„¢-ACF (Catalog #09855). However internal testing showed that the performance of the new phenol red-free, cGMP-manufactured version, StemSpanā„¢-AOF (Catalog #100-0130) was comparable.

Protocols and Documentation

Find supporting information and directions for use in the Product Information Sheet or explore additional protocols below.

Document Type
Product Name
Catalog #
Lot #
Language
Document Type
Product Name
Catalog #
09600, 09650
Lot #
All
Language
English
Document Type
Product Name
Catalog #
09600, 09650
Lot #
All
Language
English

Applications

This product is designed for use in the following research area(s) as part of the highlighted workflow stage(s). Explore these workflows to learn more about the other products we offer to support each research area.

Resources and Publications

Publications (310)

MDM4 enables efficient human iPS cell generation from PBMCs using synthetic RNAs M. Nakagawa et al. Scientific Reports 2025 Sep

Abstract

If iPS cells can be established easily and efficiently using freshly collected blood cells, it will enhance regenerative and personalized medicine. While reports of iPS derivation from blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells using RNA have been documented, none have been reported from peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In this study, we established a method to generate iPS cells from PBMCs using synthetic RNAs and found that MDM4, which suppresses p53, improved reprogramming efficiency. Subject terms: Reprogramming, Induced pluripotent stem cells
Targeting triple-negative breast cancer using cord-blood CD34⁺ HSPC-derived mesothelin-specific CAR-NKT cells with potent antitumor activity Li et al. Journal of Hematology & Oncology 2025 Oct

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the lack of ER, PR, and HER2 expression. Its aggressive behavior, high degree of tumor heterogeneity, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) are associated with poor clinical outcomes, rapid disease progression, and limited therapeutic options. Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cell therapy has shown certain promise, its applicability in TNBC is hindered by antigen escape, TME-mediated suppression, and the logistical constraints of autologous cell production. In this study, we employed hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) gene engineering and a feeder-free HSPC differentiation culture to generate allogeneic IL-15-enhanced, mesothelin-specific CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T ( Allo15 MCAR-NKT) cells. These cells demonstrated robust and multifaceted antitumor activity against TNBC, mediated by CAR- and NK receptor-dependent cytotoxicity, as well as selective targeting of CD1d + TME immunosuppressive cells through their TCR. In both orthotopic and metastatic TNBC xenograft models, Allo15 MCAR-NKT cells demonstrated potent antitumor activity, associated with robust effector and cytotoxic phenotypes, low exhaustion, and a favorable safety profile without inducing graft-versus-host disease. Together, these results support Allo15 MCAR-NKT cells as a next-generation, off-the-shelf immunotherapy with strong therapeutic potential for TNBC, particularly in the context of metastasis, immune evasion, and treatment resistance. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-025-01736-9.
TET3 regulates hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis during embryonic and adult hematopoiesis H. C. Ketchum et al. HemaSphere 2025 May

Abstract

The ten‐eleven translocation family of enzymes (TET1/2/3) promotes DNA demethylation and is essential for hematopoiesis. While the roles of TET1 and TET2 are well‐studied in hematopoiesis, the requirement of TET3 in embryonic and adult hematopoiesis is less investigated. In this study, by characterizing embryonic and adult hematopoiesis in Tie2 +/cre ; Tet3 f/f mice, we have established a requirement for TET3 in regulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs; CD150 + CD48 – ). We found that loss of TET3 in the fetal liver and adult bone marrow causes a reduction in the percent of long‐term HSCs (LT‐HSCs; CD150 + CD48 – CD34 – ). This was accompanied by reduced colony forming capacity of TET3‐deficient HSCs in vitro and reduced contribution of HSCs after a competitive bone marrow transplantation in vivo. TET3 deficiency increased DNA methylation at several cell cycle regulator genes leading to their down regulation. This is consistent with, and likely underpins, the reduced number of quiescent HSCs in TET3‐deficient bone marrow. These findings uncover a new role for TET3 in HSC homeostasis during embryonic and adult hematopoiesis.