Maximizing the ex vivo expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells using a microcarrier-based stirred culture system.

Bioreactor systems have been developed as alternatives to standard culture flasks due to their homogeneous nature, easiness of monitoring and increased cell production. Here we investigated the in vitro expansion of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in spinner flasks, using gelatin microcarriers (Cultispher S) to support cell adhesion and proliferation. MSC expansion was performed using a low-serum containing medium (2% of fetal bovine serum, FBS).