Morpho-elasticity of human pluripotent stem cell cysts

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising cellular source in cell therapies or regenerative medicine and they allow to address fundamental mechanisms embryo-genesis. However, their culture provide large amounts of high quality remains challenging. Here, using an encapsulation microfluidic device, we observe that hiPSCs self-organize into cysts, which spherical closed epithelia reminiscent the early stages vitro embryo models. We monitor morphology, organization growth pseudo-stratified epithelium before after get confined by capsule wall. Then, present morpho-elastic model quantitatively explain dynamics. The based on Neo-Hookean elasticity with anisotropic shows stresses, concentrated within cyst, remain at low level. Cyst is shown be quasi-exponential, slightly reduced compression-induced correction. hypothesize this peculiar morphological dynamics, controlled growth, might new strategies optimize production medical grade hiPSCs.