Comparative media study on the expansion of BM-MSCs

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a new player in the field of regenerative medicine due to their potential therapeutic applications. Unfortunately, extensive in vitro culturing and expansion is required to obtain adequate numbers of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). MSCs are traditionally cultured in various basal media supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). However, there are safety concerns regarding the use of FBS for clinical applications. FBS is an ill-defined supplement which results in lot to lot variation. The use of FBS is discouraged by regulatory agencies due to the risk of contamination with microbiological contaminants and xenogenic compounds which may influence cell behavior. Furthermore, the collection of FBS may be considered ethically inhumane.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports takes a comparative look at six commercially available low serum or serum-free media in the growth and expansion of bone marrow-derived MSCs and compared the MSC culture characteristics and functions with that of a serum-containing medium (FBS). Authors conducted a series of experiments to assess the ideal conditions for the characterization and expansion of BM-MSCs for cell-based research applications.

This Research Spotlight highlights morphology and cell growth of various serum-free and low-serum media.

The Spotlight

Keywords: General culture, expansion and characterization of human, BM-MSCs

Cell type(s): BM-MSCs

Experiment purpose: A comparative look at six commercially available media to determine the ideal conditions for low-serum or serum-free cell manufacturing of BM-MSCs.

Product highlights: PLTMax® Human Platelet Lysate was the very first HPL on the market. Containing more than 100 growth factors and proteins, PLTMax enhances genetic stability in stem cell cultures. PLTMax is currently used in more than 30 clinical trials worldwide.

Reference: Bhat, S., et al. 2021. Expansion and characterization of bone marrow derived human mesenchymal stromal cells in serum-free conditions. Sci Rep 11, 3403.

Conclusion

In summary, this is the first comprehensive study comparing the culture conditions of BM-MSCs. Researchers showed that except for one media, all other media supported the growth of BM-MSCs at a low seeding density. No significant differences were observed in the expression of MSC specific markers among the various media tested. In contrary, the population doubling time, cell yield, potency, colony-forming ability, differentiation potential, and immunosuppressive properties of MSCs varied with one another. Findings also showed there were a few media conditions that required an extra step of surface coating that may not be feasible for large scale expansion in clinical applications.

Researchers concluded that two media conditions, including PLTMax® Human Platelet Lysate, were
preferable in terms of cell yield, preserving MSC characteristics and reducing overall costs.

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Image source: Shutterstock image of fibroblasts