Understanding the Differences Between Stem Cells, Stem Cell Culture Medium, and Stem Cell Culture Supernatant
The medical and cosmetic industries today are awash with products labeled as "stem cell-related." However, not all products with the term "stem cell" are created equal. Before diving into this rapidly expanding field, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between stem cells, stem cell culture medium, and stem cell culture supernatant.
This article aims to clarify some common misunderstandings surrounding these terms.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are remarkable cells with the unique ability to generate and replenish new cells in the body. Two key properties define stem cells:
- Differentiation Ability – The capacity to transform into various types of cells, such as skin cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
- Self-Renewal Ability – The ability to divide and produce identical copies of themselves, maintaining their regenerative potential.
These properties make stem cells invaluable in regenerative medicine and other scientific applications.
What Is Stem Cell Culture Medium?
Stem cell culture medium is a liquid substance used to grow and maintain stem cells in laboratory conditions. After the stem cells are removed, this medium remains, containing nutrients and bioactive components secreted during the culture process.
The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association defines "human stem cell acclimatized culture medium" as a liquid extracted from stem cell cultures after several days of growth. Importantly, this medium does not contain actual stem cells.
What Is Stem Cell Culture Supernatant?
Stem cell culture supernatant is derived from the liquid medium used in stem cell culture. After removing impurities, the supernatant retains the key bioactive components secreted by the stem cells. However, like the culture medium, it does not contain stem cells themselves.
Typically, only a small fraction of the culture medium is processed into supernatant, concentrating its beneficial components.
Key Differences in Use
Stem cell culture medium and supernatant differ primarily in their applications:
- Stem Cell Culture Medium: Commonly used as an ingredient in cosmetics and beauty formulations.
- Stem Cell Culture Supernatant: Primarily used in anti-aging and preventive medicine treatments.
Types of Stem Cell Culture Supernatant
The composition of the supernatant varies depending on the type of stem cells used. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most commonly used due to their accessibility from sources like human fat, dental pulp, umbilical cord, and cord blood.
Each source influences the supernatant’s composition, leading to variations in its potential effects. For example, supernatants derived from different tissues may have unique benefits depending on their bioactive components.