The umbilical cord itself is a rich source of stem cells, where its Wharton’s Jelly holds precious Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). These stem cells have been found to be very promising as it has beneficial properties that Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may have restrictions in. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into bone, heart, nerve, cornea, fat and cartilage cells besides being able to improve engraftment of HSCs (such as cord blood stem cells) and are unlikely to trigger cellular rejection.
Umbilical cord MSCs that have been isolated from the umbilical cord and expanded are ultimately stored in a cryogenic preservation tank at -190º Celcius in vapour phase.
Why Store Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Simple, quick and painless collection protocol that does not interfere nor complicates the delivery process.
Wharton’s Jelly MSCs have been touted as the best alternative to embryonic stem cells by being primitive in nature, but without the controversy that is normally attached to the use of embryonic stem cells.
