Dutch Fetal Biobank White paper published in Developmental Cell

19-12-2023

We have detailed the Dutch Fetal Biobank’s framework and workflow in this recent white paper, highlighting its innovative approach to collecting and storing prenatal tissues. With an impressive collection of donated specimens, the biobank is at the forefront of exploring three-dimensional morphology, gene expression, cellular decision-making, differentiation, and epigenetics during critical phases of human development.

Legal and ethical considerations are paramount in this sensitive field. The white paper provides an insightful discussion on these aspects, ensuring the biobank operates within the bounds of ethical research practices. This pioneering initiative not only enhances our basic biological understanding but also opens new avenues for studying health and disease right from the earliest stages of life. We hope that sharing our knowledge on starting and maintaining a fetal biobank will be helpful to establish new fetal biobanks and initiate international (scientific) collaboration.