CELL CARRIERS AND METHODS FOR CULTURING CELLS

A carrier for growing stem cells is provided, the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces; and a hydrophilic, water soluble coating material disposed and dried on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier comprises one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces, wherein the carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of culturing stem cells and stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.