ABSTRACT
Umbilical cord (UC) is considered a discarded tissue. However, this cord is a “rich” source of mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). As compared to other sources from adipose and bone marrow, the UC has reduced ethical concern. Despite the ease of obtaining UC, you are most likely to require an approved informed consent by the mother. This chapter provides a stepwise procedure, adapted from a method provided by Dr. Francesco Dazzi. The technique describes the method to expand UC-MSCs from UC. Thus, UC-MSCs might not be able to replace similar cells from other sources. Thus, investigators will be required to determine the application in experimental studies.
