Merck Millipore Embryoid Body Formation Medium

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of preimplantation embryos and have the unique ability to differentiate into cells comprising all three embryonic germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm). Most protocols used to differentiate murine ES cells to a variety of cells involve an initial step in which the spontaneous differentiation of ES cells proceed through the formation of embryoid body (EB). EBs are formed by culturing ES cells in suspension culture in low attachment Petri dishes. The non-adhesive surfaces of Petri dishes promote the aggregation of ES cells into a tight ball of cells termed embryoid body. EBs are thought to help maintain an embryonic organization and closely mimic some of the earliest stages of embryonic development.