Adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have shown promise as a valuable new therapeutic tool in a wide range of diseases.  One of the greatest challenges posed to their therapeutic application has been the need for producing larger numbers of hMSCs while maintaining their quality. 

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex 3D network that provides cells with the appropriate environment and signals to regulate cell function. Cell-derived ECM can be utilized in vitro to understand the role of the matrix in guiding cell function. The image above is of hMSC grown on plastic plate and serves as ancontrol. Compared to ECM coated plates, plastic plates tend to have lower growth for hMSC because the cells are forced to have to make their own nest of proteins to bind to the plastic.