Figure 1. Flow chart of pluripotent stem cell banking.

Human PSCs are ideal candidates for developing cell therapies from either a tissue biopsy or blood collection (i). Allogeneic and autologous stem cell banking requires establishment and expansion of the starting pluripotent material (ii). Human ESCs and iPSCs are capable of differentiating into any adult cell type (iii). Therapeutically relevant cell products must undergo preclinical studies required by the FDA prior to an IND application (iv). TSE, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Cells must undergo processing prior to secure cryostorage (v). The cryopreserved products may either be used immediately or be held for future use as allografts in order to regenerate damaged organs (vi).