Human-derived alternatives to fetal bovine serum in cell culture.
OBJECTIVE
The need for an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) is known to scientists and users involved in cell therapy or advanced therapy medicinal products. Human serum (huS) and platelet lysate (hPL) can be used as alternatives resulting in similar or even superior results concerning cell expansion.


METHODS
We developed protocols for the production of huS and two types of hPL and tested them in the expansion of human fibroblasts and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASC). Quality control included cell counts (platelets, red and white blood cells), sterility testing, pH levels, total protein concentrations and growth factor levels. ASC and fibroblasts were expanded for three passages in media supplemented with FBS, huS or hPL and evaluated microscopically. Proliferation in terms of population doubling times (PDT) was determined. In case of ASC, differentiation was performed as well.


RESULTS
All three alternatives demonstrated shorter PDT for fibroblasts and ASC compared to FBS. Furthermore, ASC maintained their differentiation potential.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that hPL and huS can be used as alternatives to FBS for the cultivation and expansion of cells intended for human use.
Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria, Linz, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Karin
K
Witzeneder
Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Andrea
A
Lindenmair
Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria, Linz, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Christian
C
Gabriel
Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria, Linz, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Katharina
K
Höller
Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria, Linz, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Denise
D
Theiß
Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Heinz
H
Redl
Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service of Upper Austria, Linz, Linz/Vienna, Austria ; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Linz/Vienna, Austria.
Simone
S
Hennerbichler
Fetal bovine serum; Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells; Human platelet lysate; Human serum; Regenerative medicine