Human platelet lysate as additive for Wharton's Jelly-MSC culture

The supplementation of cell culture media with Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) has long been a standard practice due to its content of growth factors, cytokines and attachment factors essential for in vitro cell proliferation. However, FBS is an animal-derived component with an undefined composition, which raises reproducibility and translational concerns. In this context, human platelet lysates (hPL) have emerged as a xeno-free alternative for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) culture.

This application note evaluates the use of hPL in Wharton’s Jelly-MSC culture by comparing its impact on morphology, growth, viability and phenotype. The results highlight the potential of hPL as an alternative supplement. The full application note is available for download below.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE METHOD

• Human platelet lysate modifies MSC morphology, resulting in smaller and less extended cells
• High cell viability (>95%) is maintained across all culture conditions
• Cell growth is significantly accelerated with hPL, with higher cell yields and sustained proliferation beyond passage 10
• FGF-2 supplementation is not required when hPL is used
• MSC phenotype is conserved, with positive markers (CD44, CD73, CD90) and negative markers (CD19, CD34, CD45, HLA-DR)

HOW THIS SUPPORTS YOUR MSC CULTURE PROGRAMME

The findings from this study provide practical insights for optimising MSC culture conditions using human-derived supplements.

• Supports the transition towards xeno-free culture systems
• Enhances cell proliferation and increases achievable cell densities
• Maintains high viability throughout extended culture passages
• Preserves MSC phenotype, ensuring consistency of cell identity
• Reduces dependency on additional growth factors such as FGF-2
• Enables more robust and sustained cell expansion over time

Overall, the use of hPL contributes to more efficient and consistent MSC culture processes.