The iPSC Biobank is a central storage of patient donor cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

What can we store?

The Biobank accepts blood samples, skin biopsies, rest material and iPSCs with consent for iPSC research in place. For the generation of iPSC lines, we recommend storage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or fibroblast isolated from skin biopsies. For blood donation and PBMC isolation, donors can report to Blood Collection Desks of Clinical Chemistry Laboratories (CRL) at AMC or VUmc. Collected material is then directly transferred to the biobank for storage. The iPSC biobank is part of the Amsterdam UMC biobank. After iPSC generation, low passage iPSC lines can be stored in the iPSC biobank.

Of note, researchers can use own storage facilities for iPSC biobanking, but have to register consent at the iPSC Biobank.

Consent & Consent registration

The use of patient cells for iPSC research requires approval from the Medisch-Ethische Toetsingscommissie (METC) and informed consent from donors. For direct deposition of PBMCs or rest material into the iPSC biobank, standardized patient information letters and consent forms for children, adolescents, adults and incapacitated individuals are formulated in consultation with the METC, and available upon request. New skin or other biopsies are WMO-compliant and need additional approval from METC before depositing in iPSC biobank. For iPSC biobanking both in central or own facilities, the patient consent has to be registered via iPSC@amsterdamumc.nl.

Distribution

To use materials stored in the iPSC biobank for research, users need to obtain permission from the Commissie Toetsing Biobanken (CTB). The iPSC core facility team can assist with obtaining CTB permission, please contact iPSC@amsterdamumc.nl for more information. To avoid distribution of unique material to other researchers, an embargo can be placed on deposited samples. Materials are processed according to standardized protocols.

Contact

The iPSC Biobank is part of the Emma Center for Personalized Medicine and the Amsterdam UMC Biobank.
For more information, please contact iPSC@amsterdamumc.nl