Stem cells of the placenta

The placenta is an extraordinary organ: during pregnancy, it is the “vital center” that nourishes and protects the baby, regulating the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and immune signals with the mother.

Once the baby is born, the placenta is often considered waste material. In reality, it is one of the richest natural sources of stem cells.

A double biological heritage

Unlike the cord, which provides a very specific type of cells, the placenta is a true double-compartment treasure chest:

Hematopoietic cells – similar to those of cord blood, with the ability to regenerate blood and immune system cells.

Mesenchymal cells – similar to those of cord tissue, capable of differentiating into bones, cartilage, muscles, and adipose tissue.

This mix makes the placenta a complementary source and potentially even more versatile than the cord alone.

The immunological characteristics

One of the most fascinating aspects of the placenta is its immunological intelligence. During the nine months of pregnancy, it manages to maintain a delicate balance: it allows the baby (genetically “foreign” for half) to grow without the mother’s immune system rejecting it.

Placental stem cells inherit part of this natural “know-how”:

they have a low immunogenicity, meaning they are less easily recognized as foreign;

they possess immunomodulating properties, capable of reducing inflammation and excessive immune reactions;

they are considered optimal for developing future therapies that require immune tolerance, such as in transplantation or autoimmune diseases.

Differentiating characteristics

From a biological point of view, the stem cells of the placenta have a remarkable differentiation capacity:

hematopoietic cells contribute to the formation of blood cells;

Mesenchymal cells can differentiate into various mesodermal tissues, offering prospects in regenerative medicine for bones, cartilage, and muscles.

Why keep them?

The preservation of the placenta, along with blood and cord tissue, means expanding the range of therapeutic possibilities for the future.

It is a unique and irreplaceable source: it can only be collected at the time of birth, in a simple and non-invasive manner.

It enriches the biological reserve: it combines hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells into a single resource.

It could be crucial in the future: clinical studies are exploring applications in immunology, oncology, cardiology, and neurology, aiming to harness the regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of placental cells.

In other words, the placenta is not a waste to be discarded, but a rich organ of potential. Preserving its stem cells means safeguarding a biological heritage that could one day translate into new treatments for diseases that currently have no answers.

Innovation and Technology since 2005

Thanks to certified and secure processes, we offer quality services that meet the highest standards of the biotech industry.