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Published on: July 7, 2023
Microbiological contamination in stem cell cultures
Fernando Cobo1, José Luis Cortés, Carmen Cabrera
1Stem Cell Bank of Andalucía (Spanish Central Node), Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avda Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain. fernando.cobo.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Abstract:
Cell therapy and regenerative medicine are potentially two of the most exciting aspects of the novel therapeutic methods currently under development. However, these treatments present a number of important biosafety issues, like the possible transmission of microorganisms to the recipients. The most common potential form of contamination in these cell products is by bacteria (including Mycoplasma), yeast and fungi. In our study, 32 stem cell lines and feeder cell lines were analysed. There were 19 contaminated cell passages (12%). The main contaminants were gram positive cocci and Mycoplasma species, followed by gram negative rods and gram positive rods. The Mycoplasma contamination rate was 4%. Stem cell banks and other research centres aim to screen all processed stem cell lines for these microorganisms, and to assure that no contaminants are introduced in the banking procedures. It is a standard part of current good practice in stem cell banks to carry out routine microbiological controls of the stem cell lines and to work in a controlled environment to reduce the probability of contamination in the final product.
Insights
Microbial contamination is a significant biosafety concern in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. This study found 12% of stem cell lines were contaminated, with Mycoplasma species being a key issue.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Microbiology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Cell therapy and regenerative medicine offer novel therapeutic approaches.
- Biosafety concerns, particularly microbial contamination, are critical for these treatments.
- Bacteria, yeast, and fungi are common contaminants in cell products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of microbial contamination in stem cell lines.
- To identify common contaminants in cell therapy products.
- To emphasize the importance of routine microbiological screening in stem cell banking.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 32 stem cell and feeder cell lines.
- Microbiological screening for bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
- Identification of specific contaminant types.
Main Results:
- 19 out of 32 cell passages (12%) showed contamination.
- Gram-positive cocci and Mycoplasma species were the most frequent contaminants.
- Mycoplasma contamination was identified in 4% of the analyzed cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Microbial contamination poses a significant risk in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
- Routine microbiological controls are essential for stem cell banks.
- Preventing contamination ensures the safety and efficacy of cell-based therapies.
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