A Multi-Stage Bioprocess for the Expansion of Rodent Skin-Derived Schwann Cells in Computer-Controlled Bioreactors

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065152 · Published: March 8, 2023

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study presents a method to efficiently grow Schwann cells, which are important for nerve repair, using skin cells in a controlled environment. The process simulates taking cells from a patient, growing them in a specialized container called a bioreactor, and then preparing them for return to the patient. The results show a significant increase in cell numbers within a week, suggesting a faster way to produce cells for nerve therapies.

Study Duration

6 days

Participants

Rat Skin-Derived Schwann Cells

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study demonstrated a 50-fold expansion of skin-derived Schwann cells in a 500 mL bioreactor within one week.
2
The developed bioprocess maintained the characteristic Schwann cell phenotype throughout each step, including cryopreservation.
3
The integrated process simulated a clinical scenario, starting with 3 million cells and expanding them to over 200 million cells.

Research Summary

The study presents a multi-stage bioprocess for expanding rat skin-derived Schwann cells (Sk-SCs) in computer-controlled bioreactors to generate clinically relevant cell numbers for nerve repair. The process includes pre-expansion cryopreservation, inoculation of Sk-SCs into bioreactors, expansion over 6 days, harvest, and post-expansion cryopreservation, simulating a clinical autologous cell therapy. The results demonstrate a 50-fold expansion of cells, maintaining their characteristic phenotype, with potential for rapid production of cells for clinical applications.

Practical Implications

Improved Cell Production

The bioprocess significantly reduces the time required to generate clinically relevant numbers of Schwann cells compared to traditional methods.

Clinical Translation

The study provides a framework for developing a human skin-derived Schwann cell bioreactor process for clinical applications.

Cost Reduction

By optimizing cell density and minimizing reagent requirements, the bioprocess minimizes overall cost.

Study Limitations

1
Significant cell losses were observed across the harvesting steps, indicating harvesting is an area where further improvements and optimizations will be required.
2
A major unanswered question remains whether Sk-SCs retain regenerative and therapeutic function throughout a bioreactor expansion process.
3
There is still work to be done in terms of closing the process, testing additional cells lines, and functional testing

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