Defined serum-free media for in vitro expansion of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

There is a growing interest in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because they are regarded as good candidates for cell therapy. Adipose tissue represents an easily accessible source to derive mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) non-invasively in large numbers. The aim of this study was to evaluate a defined serum-free medium for in vitro expansion of MSCs as a prerequisite for their clinical use.

Adipose tissue was isolated from healthy donors. Cells were isolated and expanded for five passages in serum-free medium (Mesencult-XF) and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (DMEM-FBS). MSC morphology, marker expression, viability, population doubling time and differentiation potential toward osteogenic and adipogenic lineages were evaluated. Bone marrow MSCs were included as controls.

Ad-MSCs cultured in Mesencult-XF had shorter population doubling time (33.3 ± 13.7 h) compared with those cultured in DMEM-FBS (54.3 ± 41.0 h, P < 0.05). Ad-MSCs cultured in Mesencult-XF displayed a stable morphology and surface marker expression and a higher differentiation potential in comparison to Ad-MSCs cultured in DMEM-FBS.

The defined serum-free and xeno-free Mesencult-XF media appear to be a good choice for Ad-MSCs, but it is not as good in supporting culture of bone marrow MSCs when the cells are to be used for clinical purposes.