A stress-reduced passaging technique improves the viability of human pluripotent cells

Xeno-free culture systems have expanded the application of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Here we describe an improved method for the subculture of human PSCs. The new method significantly facilitated the viability of human PSCs by lowering DNA damage and apoptosis, resulting in more efficient and reproducible downstream applications. Furthermore, the method did not alter the PSC characteristics after long-term culture and attenuated the growth advantage of abnormal subpopulations. This robust passaging method minimizes experimental error and improves the quality control of human PSC research and applications. Examination of 2 different human iPSC lines (WTB6 and WTC11) in early passages and later passages.