Collected once. Preserved for future possibilities
Stem cells and biological material from placenta tissue
The placenta is a unique organ that supports growth and development during pregnancy. It is a temporary yet highly specialized biological structure that serves as a vital connection between the mother and fetus, supplying nutrients, oxygen and protection while playing a crucial role in development. It contains a complex biological environment, including cells and structures involved in tissue formation, immune interaction, and healing processes.
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A resource that is otherwise discarded
After birth, the placenta has fulfilled its role and is no longer needed by the body. If it is not preserved, it is discarded along with the afterbirth.
At the same time, it contains biological material that is increasingly being studied for its potential role in future medical treatments. For many families, the decision is not about expecting a specific need, but about choosing whether to preserve something that cannot be collected again.
At birth, this resource is already available. The only decision is whether to keep it.
Only available once
Collected at birth, cannot be recreated later
Otherwise discarded
Lost if not preserved
Biologically complex
Contains cells involved in repair, immune interaction, and development
A biologically active and unique environment
Placenta tissue contains a combination of cells and biological structures that work together during pregnancy to support growth, protection, and development.
Unlike single-cell sources, it represents a broader biological environment, where different cell types interact and contribute to processes such as tissue formation, immune regulation, and healing.
This complexity is one of the reasons why placenta tissue is attracting increasing interest in medical research.
Tissue repair and regeneration
Cells involved in recovery and restoration of damaged tissue
Immune system interaction
Studied for their role in regulating immune responses
Biological complexity
Multiple cell types and structures working together
Growing research interest
Actively studied across several medical and clinical fields
Rather than focusing on one specific application, placenta tissue is being explored for how these biological functions may contribute to future treatment approaches.
A complex and biologically rich environment
Placenta tissue is fundamentally different from both cord blood and cord tissue. It contains multiple types of cells and structural components that work together to support development during pregnancy, including functions related to tissue repair, inflammation control, and immune system regulation.
These are fundamental biological processes involved in many health conditions, which is why placenta tissue is of growing interest in medical research. Rather than representing a single cell type, it provides access to a broader biological environment that may play a role in future therapies.
An area of active research
Placenta-derived cells and tissues are currently being evaluated in both preclinical and clinical research. Studies are exploring how they may be used in areas such as immune-related conditions, wound healing, and regenerative medicine 1.
In some medical contexts, processed placenta tissue is already used as a biological material to support healing, while research continues to expand into new areas.
For families considering storage, this represents access to a type of biological material that may become more relevant as new treatments are developed.
Different sources, different roles
Cord blood, cord tissue, and placenta tissue each contain different types of cells with different roles.
Cord blood stem cells are used today in treatments that rebuild the blood and immune system. Cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells that are being studied for their role in tissue repair and inflammation.
Placenta tissue adds another dimension, providing a broader biological environment that is being explored for future therapeutic use.
Together, these sources represent different aspects of how the body develops, heals, and responds to disease.
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Where placenta cells & tissue may make a difference
Placenta tissue is being studied and used in areas connected to how the body heals, regulates the immune system, and responds to injury 2.
These are processes involved in a wide range of conditions, which is why this biological material is receiving increasing attention in both research and clinical settings.
Placenta tissue has been used in medical settings as a biological material to support healing. The innermost layer, known as the amniotic membrane, has been used in the treatment of burns and difficult-to-heal wounds 3, 4.
It supports the body’s healing process by reducing inflammation, protecting damaged tissue, and helping limit scar formation 5. These are important factors in situations where normal healing is impaired or delayed.
While some applications, such as wound care, are already established, many other potential uses are still being studied in clinical research.
Cells from placenta tissue are being studied for their ability to interact with and regulate the immune system.
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue. Placenta-derived cells have shown the ability to influence immune responses in ways that may help reduce harmful activity.
Research is ongoing in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and other immune-related diseases, where controlling inflammation and immune balance is central to treatment 6, 7.
Placenta tissue contains cells that are being studied for their role in supporting tissue regeneration and recovery.
These include processes such as forming new blood vessels, repairing soft tissue, and supporting healing after injury. The body’s natural ability to repair itself is limited and declines with age, which is why these mechanisms are of particular interest.
Because of this, placenta-derived material is being explored across a growing number of regenerative medicine applications.
Processed placenta tissue is being explored in surgical settings to support healing after complex procedures.
It has been studied for its ability to protect exposed structures, such as nerves, and support recovery in damaged tissue. This can be particularly relevant in situations where healing is challenging or where complications may occur.
This represents an emerging area where biological materials are used to improve surgical outcomes and recovery.
Placenta tissue is often discussed together with umbilical cord tissue, as they contain cells with complementary biological properties.
While cord tissue cells are studied for their role in regulating inflammation and immune responses, placenta-derived cells are being explored for their potential role in tissue repair and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) 8, 9.
Together, these sources represent different aspects of how the body heals and recovers, rather than overlapping functions.
Most families who choose to store placenta tissue do so without a specific medical need.
Instead, the decision is based on the understanding that this is a unique biological resource, available only once at birth, and that research in this area is continuing to evolve.
For these families, the focus is not on predicting a specific use, but on preserving access while the opportunity exists.
More than just a biological organ
Across cultures and traditions, the placenta has been seen as something deeply meaningful, sometimes referred to as “the tree of life”.
In many parts of the world, families choose to honour this connection in different ways, such as planting the placenta in the ground and growing a tree above it, preserving it as a keepsake, or preparing it in forms such as capsules or other preparations intended for consumption, sometimes referred to as placenta encapsulation.
These practices reflect a shared understanding that the placenta has played a central role in supporting life during pregnancy. Today, advances in regenerative medicine and cellular research have increased scientific and medical interest in placenta-derived cells and tissue. Instead of discarding the placenta after birth, it is possible to preserve parts of this unique tissue in a controlled and clinically prepared way, allowing it to be accessed if needed in the future.
This represents a different way of preserving the placenta’s potential, one rooted in long-term medical access rather than symbolic tradition.
A biological opportunity that only exists once
Placenta tissue can only be collected at birth. Preserving it means maintaining access to a unique biological resource that is currently being explored in regenerative medicine, immune research, and tissue repair.
References
- Roy et al., Placenta tissues as biomaterials in regenerative medicine. Biomed Res Int. 2022 Apr 21;2022:6751456. doi: 10.1155/2022/6751456
- Roy, et al., Placental Tissues as Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine, Biomed Res Int. 2022 Apr 21;2022:6751456. doi: 10.1155/2022/6751456
- Niknejad, H., Peirovi, H., Jorjani, M., Ahmadiani, A., Ghanavi, J., & Seifalian, A. M. Properties of the amniotic membrane for potential use in tissue engineering. European Cells and Materials. 2008;15:88–99. DOI:10.22203/eCM.v015a07
- Mamede, A. C., Carvalho, M. J., Abrantes, A. M., Laranjo, M., Maia, C. J., & Botelho, M. F. Amniotic membrane: from structure and functions to clinical applications. Cell and Tissue Research. 2012;349(2):447–458. DOI:10.1007/s00441-012-1424-6
- Protzman, Placental-Derived Biomaterials and Their Application to Wound Healing: A Review, Bioengineering (Basel). 2023 Jul 12;10(7):829. DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070829
- Parolini, O., Soncini, M., Evangelista, M., & Schmidt, D. Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid-derived cells: potential tools for regenerative medicine?Regenerative Medicine. 2009;4(2):275–291. DOI:10.2217/17460751.4.2.275
- Magatti, M., Vertua, E., De Munari, S., et al. Human amnion mesenchyme harbors cells with allogeneic T-cell suppression and stimulation capabilities.Stem Cells. 2008;26(1):182–192. DOI:10.1634/stemcells.2007-0496
- Kakishita, K., Elwan, M. A., Nakao, N., et al. Human placenta as a source of angiogenic cells and neuroprotective factors.Stem Cells and Development. 2007;16(5):803–808. DOI:10.1089/scd.2007.0038
- Murphy, S. V., & Atala, A. Amniotic fluid and placental membranes: unexpected sources of highly multipotent cells.Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 2013;31(1):62–68. DOI:10.1055/s-0032-1331791
