British researchers have been able to grow stem cells without using animal products, it has been revealed. Embryonic stem cells have the ability to become any kind of tissue, and scientists hope they can one day be used to treat a range of diseases. But there has been concern that the animal products used in stem cell development could contaminate them. However, New Scientist reports scientists at the Roslin Institute successfully used human cells instead. In the procedure currently used, embryonic stem (ES) cells are cultivated in “feeder layers” consisting of a nutrient material derived from live animal cells. Animal derived serum has also been used. But this means there is a theoretical risk of viruses and other harmful agents being transmitted from the animal cells to the stem cells, and thus on to patients who receive stem cell therapy.
