Improving wave-induced motion bioreactor performance for human mesenchymal stromal cell expansion

Abstract Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) are considered a viable option for the treatment of several diseases in different medical areas. MSCs are present in small proportions in tissues, thus making an in vitro expansion necessary in accordance with the cGMP. For this purpose, the disposable Wave-Induced Motion Bioreactor (WIMB) is a promising alternative for MSC expansion in a safe and low shear environment. However, wave motion leads to the formation of aggregate deposits (microcarriers and cells) on the Cellbag plastic, impairing the MSC proliferation. In this study, a modification in the Cellbag design was proposed and tested in order to overcome this limitation. Human Umbilical Cord Matrix derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hUCM-MSCs) were expanded in WIMB using Cultispher-S microcarriers and α-MEM medium. Two approaches were evaluated for hUCM-MSCs culture in the new Cellbag design: 1) adhesion phase in spinner and expansion in the WIMB (Expansion Factors: 5.8–8.0 fold) and 2) adhesion and expansion phases in the WIMB (Expansion Factors: 11.6–25.6 fold), both with absence of the most damaging particle deposits. These results showed that the use of WIMB with the Cellbag design modification have good potential for hUCM-MSCs expansion, while maintaining cell quality attributes.