Anchorage-dependent cell expansion in fiber-shaped microcarrier aggregates

This article describes a three-dimensional culture system for the expansion of anchorage-dependent cells using fiber-shaped microcarrier (MC; Cytodex3) aggregates, termed "MC fibers." The fiber encapsulates the cells, the MC aggregates, and collagen and is covered with a poly-l-lysine membrane. The thin structure of the fiber enables sufficient supply of O₂ and nutrients to the cell. Using the MC fiber, we demonstrated the efficient expansion of C2C12 cells with high viability through serial passaging. Therefore, our culture system is useful for various applications where large-scale cell expansion is required, such as in pharmaceutical technologies, regenerative medicine, and cultured meat production. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2755, 2019.