Director MKbiotech Co., Ltd. MKbiotech Co.Ltd., Republic of Korea
Abstract: Stem cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as promising tools for regenerative therapies, with wide-ranging applications in biomedicine, drug development, and disease modeling. However, the scalability of traditional 2D culture systems remains a significant challenge in meeting the demand for large quantities of cells and extracellular vesicles required for therapeutic applications. In this study, we optimized a scalable system for mass production of cell secretions, focusing on generating large amounts of EVs using a floating culture system. A scaffold-free protocol was developed in vertical-wheel bioreactor, enhancing the proliferation and EVs secretion of placental stem cells. EVs mass-cultured in the bioreactor using the optimized protocol demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy compared to those produced under 2D culture conditions. These EVs promoted cell proliferation, enhanced cell motility, and facilitated angiogenesis in a co-culture environment, underscoring the potential of this approach for advancing regenerative therapies. The mass culture system established in this study opens the way to efficient cell secretome production, suggesting potential commercial applications in regenerative medicine and biopharmaceutical production.
Funding Source: This work was supported by Korea IPET through High Value-added Food Technology Development program, funded by MAFRA (321025-05)
