Mesenchymal stem cell size engineering as an innovative therapeutic tool
Restricted (Penn State Only)
Author:
Pan, Ying
Graduate Program:
Biomedical Engineering (MS)
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
May 11, 2023
Committee Members:
Yuguo Lei, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Pak Kin Wong, Committee Member Yuguo Lei, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies Xiaojun Lance Lian, Committee Member
Keywords:
Mesenchymal stem cell Cell size 3D culture
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained attention for their therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory and immune system-related diseases. However, the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs are typically observed in early passages, which are costly and difficult to obtain. To address this, a 3D-2D alternate culture method was proposed to decrease cell size and enhance the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs at higher passages. This method involved forming MSC spheroids to decrease cell size and increase the DNA: cytoplasm ratio, followed by dissociation into single cells and subsequent 2D proliferation. The optimal spheroid size of 25K was determined, and a 48-hour culture time was selected. The 3D-2D culture group demonstrated smaller cell size, shorter doubling time, and similar immunomodulatory properties compared to MSCs at an early passage. Overall, these findings provide insights into preserving the 3D-2D alternate culture method, helping to slow down the increase of cell size, slow down the decrease of MSC proliferation rate, and retain MSC immunomodulatory function.
