Selection of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines with high cardiac differentiation potential is important for regenerative therapy and drug screening. We aimed to identify biomarkers for predicting cardiac differentiation potential of hiPSC lines by comparing the gene expression profiles of six undifferentiated hiPSC lines with different cardiac differentiation capabilities. We used three platforms of gene expression analysis, namely, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE), mRNA array, and microRNA array to efficiently screen biomarkers related to cardiac differentiation of hiPSCs. Statistical analysis revealed candidate biomarker genes with significant correlation between the gene expression levels in the undifferentiated hiPSCs and their cardiac differentiation potential. Of the candidate genes, PF4 was validated as a biomarker expressed in undifferentiated hiPSCs with high potential for cardiac differentiation in 13 additional hiPSC lines. Our observations suggest that PF4 may be a useful biomarker for selecting hiPSC lines appropriate for the generation of cardiomyocytes.

In the field of regenerative medicine, cell processing is currently done manually. The process is labor intensive and expensive, and its efficiency must be improved. Automatic cell culture apparatuses equipped with a vertical articulated robot have been proposed recently. However, automating all tasks of cell processing complicates the system constitution. The present study aims to develop a simple and rational cell processing system by combining the tasks performed by a robot with those performed by a human. Herein, we first analyze each task in the cell processing operation, verify whether a task can be efficiently performed by a robot and automated equipment, and decide the combination of the tasks. In a previous paper, we improved the efficiency of the task of discarding spent culture media in a flask by using a robot arm in the media change process. In the present paper, by focusing on the media change process, we examine the efficiency improvement of the task of injecting culture media by using a robot. We propose the configuration of an inspiration/injection port and an algorithm to estimate the start time of injection end motion from the flow rate and conduct a verification experiment. Our results show that a robot can perform the injecting task more efficiently than a human. Moreover, the risk of dripping can be reduced by using a robot.

Aim: The commercialization of cellular products for the regenerative medicine business has already begun. However, the profitability between the regulated aseptic production cost and insurance reimbursement price might be a major hurdle. Automated culture devices are developed for improving the cultural-and cost-efficiency. In this study, we investigated the automated culture devices to discuss the approach to overcome the existing problems and simulated the reduction of operating time with culture assist devices.Method: Web and literature surveys were performed to investigate the automated culture devices and their functionalities. Based on the investigation, the simulation was conducted by integrating the operation time in each culture steps via culture assist devices.Result: Automated culture devices for adherent cells, floating cells, and liquid handlers were developed. In Japan, the devices for adherent cells were majorly produced, and these devices used single-or double-arm robots for complete automation. A reduction of 22.5 min in the medium replacement step was achieved after simulation with the culture assist devices for injection and drainage.Conclusion: Since the present cellular products were approved of working with humans, the culture assist device for working with human is preferable and can contribute in reducing the working hours and cost.

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