Researchers at the Cira Foundation (Kyoto, Japan) have published an informative study** that highlights how defined culture conditions using Amsbio StemFit™ Basic03 medium coupled with a supportive matrix (iMatrix-511) contribute to controlling hiPSC behaviour and differentiation efficiency.

The study presents data showing how the choice of iPSC pre-culture medium and extracellular matrix influences the ability of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to differentiate into cardiac tissues. In the described experiments - researchers compared combinations of culture media and substrates to assess how they affect pluripotency maintenance and subsequent differentiation into cardiomyocytes, cells important for heart tissue formation.

StemFit Basic03 is an animal-origin free, defined medium for human pluripotent stem cell culture. Capable of maintaining human ES and iPS cell under feeder-free culture conditions - StemFit 03 is widely cited for both clinical research and manufacturing to GMP regulated standards. In this study, StemFit Basic03 enabled robust maintenance of undifferentiated hiPSCs and supported downstream differentiation into cardiac lineages, demonstrating its versatility as a reliable pre-culture medium. Further the results show that the medium supports subtle developmental cues that can bias cells toward desired outcomes, which is valuable for labs refining differentiation workflows.

iMatrix-511 is a cell culture matrix compatible with a wide variety of cell types, and exceptionally well suited for pluripotent stem cells. Ideal for feeder-free cell culture – iMatrix-511 was used in this study to maintain pluripotent colony morphology and adhesion, which is important for consistent cell expansion and differentiation outcomes. The use of iMatrix-511 in conjunction with StemFit Basic03 demonstrates how a supportive matrix working with a defined medium can improve the quality and reproducibility of stem cell culture workflows.

Phillipp Boder, CGT Business Manager at Amsbio commented “The research team at the Cira Foundation has demonstrated that pre-culture conditions significantly shape the differentiation potential of hiPSCs. Even subtle changes in medium composition before differentiation influence gene expression and marker profiles linked to the three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm). This has broad implications for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research, where consistent and efficient cardiac differentiation from iPSCs is crucial.”

To read the published study** in full please visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-13259-x. For further information on exciting products for seamless stem cell research including both the StemFit and iMatrix ranges, please visit https://www.amsbio.com/research-areas/stem-cells or contact Amsbio on +31-72-8080244 / +44-1235-828200 / +1-617-945-5033 / [email protected].

Amsbio, part of the Europa Biosite group, is a leading life sciences company supporting drug discovery, translational research, and cell and gene therapy across Europe, North America, and wider international markets. With in depth expertise in advanced cell culture, 3D cell models, and cryopreservation, Amsbio is well placed to help researchers progress from early discovery through to clinical and GMP-ready applications. The company’s portfolio of innovative products and services supports multiple stages of the research pipeline, spanning target discovery, assay development, and disease modelling, through to stem cell and organoid-based research. Key solutions include the integrated stem call platform combining StemFit™ media, iMatrix™ recombinant laminins, and CELLBANKER™ cryopreservation technology, alongside extracellular matrix technologies, biospecimens, glycobiology tools, kits and assays, and a wide range of custom services including viral delivery. Drawing on extensive GMP expertise and a comprehensive human and animal biorepository, Amsbio is internationally recognized for delivering high-quality, application-ready products and services. Amsbio has a consistent record of close scientific collaboration with partners in academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical markets to translate innovation from bench to bedside.