Expansion and cellular characterization of primary human adherent cells in the Quantum® Cell Expansion System, a hollow-fiber bioreactor system

Abstract

Primary adherent cell types can be expanded in the Quantum® Cell Expansion System (Quantum system), an automated platform that utilizes a hollow-fiber bioreactor. This system can replace manual cell culture and produce cells that retain their phenotypes and functionality. Bone- marrow-derived and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells have previously been successfully expanded on the Quantum system. We have now successfully used the Quantum system to expand fibroblasts and myoblasts. Hollow-fiber bioreactors were coated with adherence-supporting proteins, and then cells were loaded and expanded in the appropriate growth medium for 7 to 15 d. Cells were harvested from the bioreactors using enzymatic reagents. Harvested cell yields ranged from 100 × 106 to 1 × 109 cells, with viability typically above 90%. The number of doublings obtained from Quantum system harvests ranged from 4 to 9. The Quantum system is a functionally closed expansion system that can reduce contamination due to minimal interventions and can automate the culture process to reduce labor and reagent costs.