Aggregation kinetics of human mesenchymal stem cells under wave motion. Issue 5 (26th January 2017) - Tsai, Ang‐Chen
Abstract: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are primary candidates in cell therapy and regenerative medicine but preserving their therapeutic potency following culture expansion is a significant challenge. hMSCs can spontaneously assemble into three‐dimensional (3D) aggregates that enhance their regenerative properties. The present study investigated the impact of hydrodynamics conditions on hMSC aggregation kinetics under controlled rocking motion. While various laboratory methods have been developed for hMSC aggregate production, the rocking platform provides gentle mixing and can be scaled up using large bags as in wave motion bioreactors. The results show that the hMSC aggregation is mediated by cell adhesion molecules and that aggregate size distribution is influenced by seeding density, culture time, and hydrodynamic conditions. The analysis of fluid shear stress by COMSOL indicated that aggregate size distribution is inversely correlated with shear stress and that the rocking angle had a more pronounced effect on aggregate size distribution than the rocking speed due to its impact on shear stress. hMSC aggregates obtained from the bioreactor exhibit increased stemness, migratory properties, and expression of angiogenic factors. The results demonstrate the potential of the rocking platform to produce hMSC aggregates with controlled size distribution for therapeutic application. Abstract : Three‐dimensional aggregates of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) have increased regeneration potential but current methods for aggregate production have limited scalability and poor control of size distribution. In this study, the authors demonstrate the production of hMSC aggregates in a rocking platform in which aggregation kinetics and aggregate size distribution are controlled by seeding and hydrodynamic conditions. The results demonstrate the potential of the rocking platform for the scalable production of hMSC aggregates for therapeutic application.