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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Isolation and Cellular Phenotyping of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Synovial Fluid and Bone Marrow of Minipigs
Published on: July 2, 2016
Quantitative Assessment of Optimal Bone Marrow Site for the Isolation of Porcine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
J S McDaniel1, B Antebi1,2, M Pilia1
1United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Background. One of the most plentiful sources for MSCs is the bone marrow; however, it is unknown whether MSC yield differs among different bone marrow sites. In this study, we quantified cellular yield and evaluated resident MSC population from five bone marrow sites in the porcine model. In addition, we assessed the feasibility of a commercially available platelet concentrator (Magellan® MAR01™ Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Hopkinton, MA) as a bedside stem cell concentration device. Methods. Analyses of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA) included bone marrow volume, platelet and nucleated cell yield, colony-forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) number, flow cytometry, and assessment of differentiation potential. Results. Following processing, the concentration of platelets and nucleated cells significantly increased but was not significantly different between sites. The iliac crest had significantly less bone marrow volume; however, it yielded significantly more CFUs compared to the other bone marrow sites. Culture-expanded cells from all tested sites expressed high levels of MSC surface markers and demonstrated adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. Conclusions. All anatomical bone marrow sites contained MSCs, but the iliac crest was the most abundant source of MSCs. Additionally, the Magellan can function effectively as a bedside stem cell concentrator.
Insights
The iliac crest provides the most mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from porcine bone marrow. A bedside stem cell concentrator device proved effective for concentrating these valuable stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Bone marrow is a primary source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- Variability in MSC yield across different bone marrow anatomical sites remains uncharacterized.
- Porcine models are utilized for preclinical research in stem cell therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cellular yield and evaluate resident MSC populations from five distinct porcine bone marrow sites.
- To assess the efficacy of a commercial bedside device for concentrating stem cells from bone marrow aspirates.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow aspirates (BMA) and concentrated BMAs (cBMA) were analyzed for volume, cell counts, and platelet concentration.
- Colony-forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) assays were performed to quantify stem cell progenitors.
- Flow cytometry and in vitro differentiation assays (adipogenesis, osteogenesis) assessed MSC characteristics.
Main Results:
- Nucleated cell and platelet concentrations significantly increased post-processing, with no significant inter-site differences.
- The iliac crest yielded significantly more CFUs despite having a lower bone marrow volume compared to other sites.
- Cultured cells from all sites exhibited characteristic MSC surface markers and differentiation potential.
Conclusions:
- All evaluated anatomical bone marrow sites harbor MSCs.
- The iliac crest represents the most abundant source of MSCs among the sites studied.
- The Magellan device effectively concentrates stem cells at the bedside.

