Mesenchymal stem cells are a subset of pluripotent stem cells which can be isolated from the mesoderm. With their self-replication renewal and multi-direction differentiation characteristics, they possess a high potential for various therapies in medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells have a unique immune phenotype and immune regulation ability. Therefore, mesenchymal stem cells are already widely used in stem cell transplantations, tissue engineering and organ transplantation. And Beyond these applications, they are used as an ideal tool in tissue engineering as seeder cells in a series of basic and clinical research experiments.
The Countstar Rigel can monitor the concentration, viability, apoptosis analysis and phenotype characteristics (and their changes) during the production and differentiation of these stem cells. The Countstar Rigel has also the advantage in obtaining additional morphological information, provided by the permanent bright field and fluorescence-based image recordings during the whole process of cell quality monitoring. The Countstar Rigeloffers a fast, sophisticated and reliable method for the quality control of stem cells.
Monitoring Viability of MSCs in Regenerative Medicine
Figure 1 Monitoring of viability and cell count of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the use in cell therapies
Stem Cell is one of most promising treatments in regenerative cell therapies. From harvesting of MSC to treatment, it is important to sustain a high stem cell viability during all steps of stem cell production (Figure 1). Countstar’s stem cell counter monitors stem cell viability and concentration to play a critical role in quality control.
Monitoring MSC Morphological Changes after the Transportation
The diameter and aggregation were also determined by Countstar Rigel. The diameter of AdMSCs was changed drastically after transportation when compared with prior to transport. The diameter of prior to transport was 19µm, but it increased to 21µm after transportation. The aggregation of prior to transport was 20%, but it increased to 25% after transportation. From the images which captured by Countstar Rigel, the phenotype of AdMSCs was changed drastically after transportation. The results were shown in Figure 3.
Identification of AdMSCs in Cell Phenotype
Currently the minimum standard identification test procedures for the quality assurance of monitored MSCs are listed in a statement of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), defined already in 2006.
Rapid Detection of Apoptosis in MSCs with FITC Conjugated Annexin-V and 7-ADD Introduction
Cell Apoptosis can be detected with FITC conjugated annexin-V and 7-ADD. PS is normally only found on the intracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane in healthy cells, but during early apoptosis, membrane asymmetry is lost and PS translocate to the external leaflet.
Figure 6 Detection of Apoptosis in MSCs by Countstar Rigel
A. Visual inspection of the fluorescence image of Detection of Apoptosis in MSCs
B. Scatter plots of Apoptosis in MSCs by FCS express
C. Percentage of cell population based on % normal, % apoptotic, and % necrotic/very late-stage apoptotic cells.
