Cell culture and cryopreservation
Bioscience Institute is a private scientific entity active in San Marino in the research and clinical applications related to stem cells. The laboratories perform autologous cryopreservation of stem cells from umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, amniotic fluid and fibroblasts. The facility was the first private stem cell biobank active on the Italian peninsula.
Procedures, technologies and laboratory organisation meet standards certified by international bodies. The Institute operates in cooperation with clinical and university networks and periodically publishes contributions on research in cell therapies.
«The stem cells of cord blood are an individual biological resource. Autologous preservation makes that resource available to the patient without the search for a compatible donor.»
What they are and what they are for
Stem cells are immature cells, not yet specialised. They have the ability to reproduce into other stem cells and to generate precursor cells of specialised cells, destined to transform into the cells of tissues and organs. They provide the body with the cellular turnover necessary for the maintenance and regeneration of tissues damaged by ageing, illness or trauma.
The haematopoietic stem cells contained in cord blood generate white and red blood cells and platelets, like those of bone marrow. Their transplant can be used in the treatment of leukaemias, lymphomas, anaemias, myelomas, bone marrow aplasias, thalassaemias and some immunodeficiencies.
The path of the sample
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Collection | Collection of cord blood immediately after birth, both for natural and caesarean delivery. Painless procedure for mother and newborn. |
| 2. Transport | Shipment of the bag in a pressurised thermal container, by dedicated courier, to the laboratories of San Marino. |
| 3. Analysis and extraction | Within 48-72 hours of birth, sample analysis and extraction of stem cells from the other blood components. |
| 4. Preservation | Gradual lowering of the temperature down to -196 °C. Storage in cryogenic container for twenty years. |
Reference flow declared by the Institute. The specific operational conditions are published on the official website bioinst.com.
Regenerative medicine perspectives
Alongside the consolidated clinical applications, therapies based on stem cells are in development for degenerative diseases, cardiovascular conditions and other situations today without definitive pharmacological responses. The scientific debate around embryonic stem cells remains open: Bioscience Institute works on adult stem cells, free from the ethical issues linked to totipotent embryonic ones.