Mesenchymal Stem Cell Preservation in Human Plasma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for cell therapy are cumbersome due to the need for cryogenic storage, which requires specialized equipment and can reduce cell viability and increase contamination risks during transportation and handling.
Innovation Solution
Non-cryogenic suspension storage of MSC in a composition comprising at least 20% v/v human plasma or human serum at temperatures between 0.1°C and 25°C, maintaining the cells in a liquid state for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryopreservation at -196°C is used to preserve cell viability, then cell viability is maintained, but transportation becomes logistically burdensome and requires specialised equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from cryogenic (-196°C) to refrigerated (2-8°C), allowing cells to be preserved without freezing while maintaining viability. This parameter change eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen tanks and specialized cryogenic equipment during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces plasma or serum as an intermediary substance in the storage composition, which protects cells during refrigerated storage and prevents damage that would normally occur at higher temperatures. This intermediary enables the temperature parameter change while maintaining cell viability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cryopreservation is used for cell storage, then cells can be stored indefinitely, but additional handling steps (thawing, washing, resuspension) reduce cell viability and increase contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains cells in a continuous viable state through refrigerated storage in plasma/serum composition, eliminating the discontinuous handling steps (freezing, thawing, washing) required by cryopreservation. Cells remain ready for use without interruption, maintaining viability throughout extended storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary preparation by suspending cells in plasma or serum composition before storage, which pre-conditions the cells for long-term stability at refrigerated temperatures. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent processing steps like thawing and washing that could compromise viability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cryopreservation is used for cell storage, then cells can be stored long-term, but the risk of contamination increases during handling
Solution Approach 1:
By maintaining cells in a continuous refrigerated storage state without freezing/thawing cycles, the invention eliminates multiple handling steps that expose cells to contamination risks. The continuous viable state reduces opportunities for contaminant introduction while maintaining long-term storage capability.
4Ease of operation
If aqueous storage liquids based on culture media are used for non-cryogenic storage, then transportation is simplified, but cell viability and stability deteriorate during extended storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention copies the protective properties of plasma/serum (which naturally protect blood cellular components) and applies them to therapeutic cells through plasma/serum-based storage composition. This copying of natural protective mechanisms enables simplified transportation while maintaining cell viability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the composition parameter from standard culture media to plasma/serum-based composition, which provides superior protection for cells during refrigerated storage. This compositional change enables both simplified logistics and maintained viability simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns in vitro preservation of living animal cells. In particular, the invention provides a method for in vitro preservation of cells comprising maintaining adherent mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or adherent MSC-derived cells in suspension in a composition comprising at least 20% v/v human plasma or human serum or a mixture thereof.