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Aggregation kinetics of human mesenchymal stem cells under wave motion
Ang-Chen Tsai1, Yijun Liu1, Xuegang Yuan1
1Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Biotechnology Journal
|December 21, 2016
Summary
Optimizing human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) aggregation in 3D cultures using rocking bioreactors enhances therapeutic potential. Controlled hydrodynamic conditions, particularly rocking angle, influence aggregate size and improve stemness, migration, and angiogenic factor expression for regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are crucial for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
- Maintaining hMSC therapeutic potency during culture expansion remains a challenge.
- Three-dimensional (3D) hMSC aggregates enhance regenerative properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hydrodynamic conditions on hMSC aggregation kinetics.
- To evaluate the potential of a rocking motion platform for scalable hMSC aggregate production.
- To assess the therapeutic properties of hMSC aggregates produced under controlled conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a controlled rocking motion platform for hMSC culture.
- Analyzed hMSC aggregation kinetics, influenced by seeding density, culture time, and hydrodynamics.
- Employed COMSOL for fluid shear stress analysis to correlate with aggregate size distribution.
Main Results:
- hMSC aggregation is mediated by cell adhesion molecules.
- Aggregate size distribution is inversely correlated with shear stress; rocking angle has a greater effect than speed.
- Bioreactor-produced hMSC aggregates showed enhanced stemness, migration, and angiogenic factor expression.
Conclusions:
- Rocking motion bioreactors provide gentle mixing suitable for scalable hMSC aggregate production.
- Hydrodynamic conditions, especially shear stress and rocking angle, significantly influence hMSC aggregate size.
- The developed method yields hMSC aggregates with improved therapeutic potential for regenerative applications.

