Scalable ex vivo expansion of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in microcarrier-based stirred culture systems.

The clinical demand for human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) drives the need for reproducible, cost-effective, and good manufacturing practices (GMP)-compliant ex vivo expansion protocols. Bioprocess engineering strategies, namely controlled stirred bioreactor systems combined with the use of xenogeneic(xeno)-free materials, provide proper tools to develop and optimize cell manufacturing for the rapid expansion of human MSC for cellular therapies. Herein we describe a microcarrier-based stirred culture system operating under xeno-free conditions using a controlled stirred-tank bioreactor for an efficient and controlled ex vivo expansion of human MSC. This culture platform can be applied to MSC from different human sources, as well as different microcarriers and xeno-free medium formulations.