Stirred tank bioreactor culture combined with serum-/xenogeneic-free culture medium enables an efficient expansion of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

Author(s)

Mizukami, Amanda ; Fernandes-Platzgummer, Ana ; Carmelo, Joana G. ; Swiech, Kamilla ; Covas, Dimas T. ; Cabral, Joaquim M. S. ; da Silva, Claudia L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biotechnology Journal; v. 11, n. 8, p. 1048-1059, AUG 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 12

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are being widely explored as promising candidates for cell-based therapies. Among the different human MSC origins exploited, umbilical cord represents an attractive and readily available source of MSC that involves a non-invasive collection procedure. In order to achieve relevant cell numbers of human MSC for clinical applications, it is crucial to develop scalable culture systems that allow bioprocess control and monitoring, combined with the use of serum/xenogeneic (xeno)-free culture media. In the present study, we firstly established a spinner flask culture system combining gelatin-based Cultispher((R))S microcarriers and xeno-free culture medium for the expansion of umbilical cord matrix (UCM)-derived MSC. This system enabled the production of 2.4 (+/- 1.1) x10(5) cells/mL (n = 4) after 5 days of culture, corresponding to a 5.3 (+/- 1.6)-fold increase in cell number. The established protocol was then implemented in a stirred-tank bioreactor (800 mL working volume) (n = 3) yielding 115 million cells after 4 days. Upon expansion under stirred conditions, cells retained their differentiation ability and immunomodulatory potential. The development of a scalable microcarrier-based stirred culture system, using xeno-free culture medium that suits the intrinsic features of UCM-derived MSC represents an important step towards a GMP compliant large-scale production platform for these promising cell therapy candidates. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08135-2 - CTC - Center for Cell-Based Therapy
• Grantee: Dimas Tadeu Covas
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 12/23228-4 - In vitro expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells and secretome characterization: therapeutic and biotechnological applications
• Grantee: Amanda Mizukami Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/23599-5 - Expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from human umbilical cord matrix in bioreactors in serum/xeno-free conditions
• Grantee: Amanda Mizukami Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate