The present inventors identified aggregation of embryonic stem cells and
embryoid bodies (EBs) as the cause of the difficulty in generating large
numbers of the embryonic stem cells (ES) cell-derived tissues. To counter
this, the invention provides a novel bioprocess where aggregation of
spheroid forming cells, such as embryonic stem cells and spheroids, such
as EBs is controlled, such as by encapsulation of within a matrix. As a
result, EBs can be generated with high efficiency and cultured in high
cell density, well-mixed systems. Well-mixed conditions facilitate
measurement and control of the bulk media conditions and allow for the
use of scalable bioreactor systems for clinical production of tissue.
Therefore, the invention enables generation of ES cell-derived tissue on
a clinical scale. The invention is also applicable to any
spheroid-forming cells and other types of pluripotent cells.