Provided herein are methods of isolating and expanding a plurality of multipotent stem cells. Also described are methods of expanding stem cells on a substrate comprising an HC-HA complex. Also described are isolated and expanded stem cells produced by the methods and uses thereof, including stem cell therapy, as niche cells for supporting other types of stem cells, or as bioreactors for the production of HC-HA complexes. Also described are uses of HC-HA complexes as a carrier for stem cells.
