Scaling up human mesenchymal stem cell manufacturing using bioreactors for clinical uses

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells and an attractive therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine and intensive clinical research. Despite the great potential, the limitation that needs to be overcome is the necessity of ex vivo expansion because of insufficient number of hMSCs presented within adult organs and the high doses required for a transplantation. As a result, numerous research studies aim to provide novel expansion methods in order to achieve appropriate numbers of cells with preserved therapeutic quality. Bioreactor-based cell expansion provide high-level production of hMSCs in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) and quality standards. This review summarizes current knowledge about the hMSCs manufacturing platforms with a main focus to the application of bioreactors for large-scale production of GMP-grade hMSCs.

Automated summary

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have great potential in regenerative medicine and clinical research. However, the limitation of insufficient hMSCs within adult organs and the high doses required for transplantation necessitate ex vivo expansion. Bioreactor-based cell expansion provides high-level production of hMSCs according to good manufacturing practice (GMP) and quality standards. This review summarizes the current knowledge about hMSCs manufacturing platforms, with a focus on the application of bioreactors for large-scale production of GMP-grade hMSCs.