rBC2LCN, a new probe for live cell imaging of human pluripotent stem cells

► Live or fixed colonies of human ESC/iPSC are visualized by fluorescent dye-labeled rBC2LCN. ► rBC2LCN is highly sensitive to cell differentiation. ► Fluorescent dye-labeled rBC2LCN facilitates separation ESC/iPSC from a mixed cell population. Cell surface biomarkers have been applied to discriminate pluripotent human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells from differentiated cells. Here, we demonstrate that a recombinant lectin probe, rBC2LCN, a new tool for fluorescence-based imaging and flow cytometry analysis of pluripotent stem cells, is an alternative to conventional pluripotent maker antibodies. Live or fixed colonies of both human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells were visualized in culture medium containing fluorescent dye-labeled rBC2LCN. Fluorescent dye-labeled rBC2LCN was also successfully used to separate live pluripotent stem cells from a mixed cell population by flow cytometry.