Scaffold-free culture of mesenchymal stem cell spheroids in suspension preserves multilineage potential.

ABSTRACT: While traditional cell culture methods have relied on growing cells as monolayers, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems can provide a convenient in vitro model for the study of complex cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in the absence of exogenous substrates and may benefit the development of regenerative medicine strategies. In this study, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids, or "mesenspheres", of different sizes, were formed using a forced aggregation technique and maintained in suspension culture for extended periods of time thereafter. Cell proliferation and differentiation potential within mesenspheres and dissociated cells retrieved from spheroids were compared to conventional adherent monolayer cultures. Mesenspheres maintained in growth medium exhibited no evidence of cell

SUBMITTER: Baraniak PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4149251 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature