Stem cell banking has come a long way since its inception in the 1990s, evolving from a niche medical practice into a cornerstone of modern regenerative medicine. This journey reflects significant advances in both technology and medical research, unlocking the potential of stem cells for therapeutic use.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of stem cell banking, the challenges it has faced, and how companies like VitalCells are transforming the landscape with cutting-edge solutions.
1990s: The Birth of Cord Blood Banking
Cord Blood banking began in 1988, when the first successful cord blood transplant was performed. The procedure used hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) extracted from one cord blood patient and was used to treat another patient with a blood disorder. This is also known as allogenic or donor use. This groundbreaking success was a key milestone in the field, leading to the establishment of the first public cord blood bank in 1992. The purpose of these banks was clear: collect and donate cord blood to public banks to be used for donor patients who are in need of matched limited amount of stem cells for a stem cell transplant.
By 1995, private cord blood banks had emerged, allowing families to store their newborn’s cord blood samples for matched use for the child’s relatives. Cord blood storage marked the beginning of the idea that stem cells could serve as a “biological insurance policy,” offering families the hope of using these cells for medical treatments in the future.
2000s: Growth and Limitations of Cord Blood Banking
As cord blood banking gained popularity in the early 2000s, families eagerly stored their newborns’ cord blood. However, the medical community began to uncover limitations.
- Limited Applications: Cord blood contains limited amount of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are primarily used to treat blood-related disorders such as leukemia and immune system diseases for donors (different recipient than sample donor). While potentially beneficial, their medical applications are restricted.
- Cell Quantity Constraints: Cord blood typically contains a limited number of stem cells, which cannot be replicated to produce more. This limitation often renders stored samples insufficient for treatment.
- Donor Reliance: HSCs from cord blood are typically more suitable for matched donors than for treating the child from whom the cells were collected, especially in cases of genetic blood disorders.
2010s: Cord Tissue Banking with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
The 2010s marked a pivotal shift in stem cell research with the discovery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), primarily found in the lining of cord tissue. MSCs are multipotent, meaning they have potential to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells. They also possess the ability to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Reset the immune system
- Repair and regenerate damaged tissues
MSCs offer greater versatility than HSCs (from the cord blood), making them highly valuable for regenerative medicine. Researchers identified cord tissue as a richer source of MSCs compared to cord blood. Additionally, MSCs can self-replicate and be cultured in laboratories to produce large quantities, ensuring sufficient cells for a wide range of medical applications. Early clinical trials explored MSC-based therapies for injuries, inflammation, arthritis, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
2010 marked the year that private cord blood banks began offering cord tissue storage to complement its cord blood banking service. Most cord blood companies store intact cord tissue as it is received. The tissue is cleaned and then stored intact by adding a cryo-protectant for future use. The MSCs are not isolated from the cord. Studies find that it is difficult to extract MSC from previously frozen intact tissue. There are several disadvantages this proposes for families that have invested in storing their child’s cord tissue at a cord blood bank.
No validation method for processing cord tissue
No validation of viable stem cells
No LIVE stem cell count (the only count that matters)
Potentially not be usable for future therapy
To date there have been 0 releases of cord tissue stem cells to families that have banked their child’s cord tissue at a cord blood bank despite the cells from the cord tissue being a usable recourse in personalized medicine today.
As part of expecting parents informed decision making process, parents are encouraged to ask each bank about their quality testing of their cord tissue processing method. Regardless of what umbilical cord tissue processing method the laboratory prefers, parents should receive some reassurance that the laboratory methods passed validation testing and the stored product will be viable when it is needed for therapy.
2015–2020: The Shift Toward Regenerative Medicine
The discovery of MSCs marked a turning point in stem cell banking. Researchers increasingly focused on MSCs from cord tissue due to their versatility and regenerative potential, shifting away from HSCs in cord blood.
Advances in technology during this period allowed for the culture expansion of MSCs, addressing the challenge of limited cell numbers. This breakthrough made it possible to produce billions of stem cells for use in treatments, including:
- Orthopedic injuries
- Autoimmune conditions
- Neurological diseases
Regenerative medicine expanded beyond blood disorders, focusing on healing and rejuvenation at the cellular level.
Despite the discovery of MSCs and the pivotal shift in cord tissue banking since 2010, cord blood banks have not advanced their technologies to support the extraction, processing, and expansion of these stem cells, leaving families with a product that remains unusable today.
2020s: The Era of Personalized and Regenerative Healthcare
The 2020s have ushered in a new era of personalized healthcare, with MSCs at the forefront of regenerative medicine. MSC therapy is now utilized in orthopedic injuries, degenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders and more. Their ability to repair tissues, promote healing, and reduce inflammation has made them indispensable in modern medicine.
Companies like VitalCells have revolutionized the field. Unlike traditional cord blood banks that store unexpanded and limited cells from cord blood and tissue, VitalCells specializes in their proprietary process in culture expansion of mesenchymal stem cells. By growing MSCs, VitalCells ensures families have a substantial and usable resource of live stem cells for immediate and future medical needs.
Why Choose VitalCells?
The evolution of stem cell banking highlights one crucial insight: MSCs are the future of regenerative medicine. At VitalCells, we’ve pioneered the next step in stem cell banking by expanding MSCs to ensure they are ready for the newborn’s therapeutic use, throughout their life.
Unlike traditional banks that merely store cord blood or unprocessed cord tissue, VitalCells guarantees:
- Access to live, viable mesenchymal stem cells
- A money-back guarantee if the minimal live cell count is not met
This innovation gives families peace of mind, knowing their investment in stem cells provides real medical value.
Conclusion: The Future of Stem Cell Banking
The field of stem cell banking is evolving rapidly, with MSC culture expansion and regenerative medicine leading the way. Companies like VitalCells are making it possible for families to access expanded, ready-to-use stem cells for future health needs.
Don’t settle for outdated methods—choose a stem cell bank that prioritizes growth, expansion, and quality. Ensure your child’s health and well-being by investing in a resource that supports regenerative medicine now and in the future.
