The present invention relates to systems, methods and storage media for preserving and prolonging viability of cultured matrix dependent cells including multipotent progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The system and method of the invention are effective in ambient room temperature and apply during storage and shipment of said cells. The storage medium of the invention comprises fibrin microbeads and culture medium, and is suitable for the maintenance and storage of matrix dependent cells. The methods of the invention comprise use of said system, for attaching matrix dependent cells to fibrin microbeads in culture so as to form cell-fibrin microbead complexes.
