Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine
Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine

Stem Cell Technologies at Fraunhofer ITEM

Applying stem cell technologies and differentiated cell types for safety and efficacy testing

In recent years, stem cell technologies have revolutionized biomedical research, leading to major advances in our understanding of diseases, the fundamental biology of the human body, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. The great potential of pluripotent stem cells lies in their ability to differentiate into virtually any cell type of the human body while maintaining unlimited self-renewal capacity.

At Fraunhofer ITEM, we use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies for a variety of applications and differentiate these stem cells into different cell types. Our current focus is on human immune cells and cardiac cell types – particularly cardiomyocytes – which can be used, for example, in toxicity testing and immunoassays. This unique expertise also forms the foundation for the development of 3D organoid systems.

We are committed to providing standardized, quality-assured, and human-relevant cell systems and innovative models for pharmaceutical research and toxicity assessment.

Differentiation of stem cells into target cell types

Illustration of the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
© Fraunhofer ITEM

There are different types of stem cells, which can be distinguished based on their origin or properties (potency). Pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can give rise to nearly any cell type, while multipotent stem cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells, are more limited in their differentiation potential. iPSCs can be generated in the laboratory from adult cells through a process called reprogramming and are widely used for disease modeling and substance testing, including drugs and chemicals. The advantage of iPSCs is that both patient-specific and highly standardized cells can be employed to better understand genetic causes of disease or to develop therapeutics.

At Fraunhofer ITEM, we use a modular platform technology for generating human immune cells from iPSCs, allowing flexible scaling from small to large volumes. This process is based on the formation of hematopoietic organoids (Hemanoids), which recapitulates early stages of blood formation, remains in the process, and continuously produces immune cells for up to six months.

Building on our expertise, iPSCs at Fraunhofer ITEM can also be differentiated into various human cardiac cell types – including patient-specific cells exhibiting disease-relevant characteristics. These cells can be used in classical 2D cultures as well as in multicellular 3D organoids.

Application examples

 

© Fraunhofer ITEM, Ralf Mohr

Human immune cells derived from iPSCs

  • human-based screening systems for drug discovery and safety testing
  • functional immune cell models (e.g., macrophages) for integration into organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS), such as organ-on-a-chip platforms
  • automated, scalable platforms for reproducible results
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© Fraunhofer ITEM

Authentic organ systems

  • multicellular organoids for disease modeling
  • iPSC-based organoids, e.g., cardiac models
  • Macrophage-integrated systems and, alternatively, “immunocompetent” systems for realistic toxicity and efficacy testing

Transition to new, animal-free testing approaches

This research makes an important contribution to the internationally promoted 3R principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine), which aim to replace, reduce, or refine animal testing in biomedical research. European research programs, as well as institutions such as the NIH and the FDA in the United States, are currently supporting the transition toward human-relevant, in vitro-based models.

With its proven expertise in iPSC technologies, the development of complex cell models, and the establishment of standardized test systems, Fraunhofer ITEM is an ideal partner for industry and academia to transition to new, animal-free testing approaches – combining innovation with ethical responsibility.