Evaluation of Serum-Free, Xeno-Free Cryopreservation Solutions for Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have the potential to differentiate into cells of mesodermal origin, such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, myocytes, and chondrocytes, and cryopreservation is currently performed as a routine method for preserving ASCs to safely acquire large numbers of cells. For clinical application of ASCs, serum-free, xeno-free cryopreservation solutions should be used. This study determined the viability and adipo-osteogenic potential of cryopreserved ASCs using four cryopreservation solutions: 10% DMSO, Cell Banker 2 (serum free), Stem Cell Banker (=Cell Banker 3: serum free, xeno free), and TC protector (serum free, xeno free). The viability of the cryopreserved ASCs was over 80% with all cryopreservation solutions. No difference in the adipo-osteogenic potential was found between the cells that did or did not undergo cryopreservation in these cryopreservation solutions. These data suggest that Cell Banker 3 and TC protector are comparable with 10% DMSO and Cell Banker 2 for ASCs, and cryopreserved as well as noncryo-preserved ASCs could be applied for regenerative medicine.