A rapid method for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells and platelets from bone marrow aspirate

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are utilized in bone repair therapies.
• Current methods for isolating these components can be further optimized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a commercially available platelet-rich plasma kit for isolating MSCs and platelets from bone marrow (BM) aspirate.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the isolated bone marrow-derived mononuclear and platelet-rich fraction (BM-MPRF) for bone defect treatment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a standard PRP kit to process peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) aspirates, isolating mononuclear and platelet-rich fractions (PB-MPRF and BM-MPRF).
• Quantified platelets and clonogenic cells (CFU-F assay) in BM-MPRF compared to whole BM.
• Expanded isolated cells in vitro, assessed their adherence to MSC criteria (phenotype), and induced differentiation into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages.

Main Results:

• The kit successfully isolated mononuclear cells and platelets from both PB and BM.
• BM-MPRF contained 1.5-fold more platelets than PB-MPRF.
• BM-MPRF exhibited significantly higher clonogenic cell counts compared to whole BM.
• In vitro expanded cells met MSC phenotypic criteria and demonstrated multi-lineage differentiation potential.
• Isolated MSCs and BM-MPRF were clinically applied for intra-operative cell therapy in bone defects.

Conclusions:

• A commercially available PRP kit can effectively isolate MSCs and platelets from bone marrow aspirate.
• The isolated BM-MPRF is a viable source for expanded MSCs and platelets, suitable for clinical use.
• This method offers a rapid, intra-operative cell therapy option for treating bone defects.