Cryopreservation of mouse adipose tissue-derived stem/progenitor cells

Adipose tissue-derived stem/progenitor cells (ASCs) have been reported to differentiate not only into mesodermal cells such as osteoblasts, chondorocytes, and adipocytes, but also to endodermal cells such as hepatocytes and insulin-expressing cells. These stem/progenitor cells are expected to be used for variety of regenerative therapies. This study demonstrates the viability and the adipo/osteogenic potential of cryopreserved ASCs using seven cryopreservation solutions, including 10% DMSO, Cell Freezing Medium-DMSO, Cell Freezing Medium-Glycerol, Cell Banker 1, Cell Banker 1+, Cell Banker 2, and CP-1. ASCs were obtained from mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue. The viability of the cryopreserved ASCs was over 90% with Cell Banker 2 preservation, approximately 90% with Cell Banker 1, Cell Banker 1+, or CP-1 preservation, and less than 80% for 10% DMSO, Cell Freezing Medium-DMSO, or Cell Freezing Medium-Glycerol preservation. No difference in the adipo/osteogenic potential was found between cells with or without cryopreservation in Cell Banker 2. These data suggests that Cell Banker 2 is the most effective cryopreservation solution for ASCs and that cryopreserved as well as noncryopreserved ASCs could be applied for regenerative medicine.