Service Project 1: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Preservation

Developing new methods of preserving biospecimens and technology to improve biospecimen quality.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are the most diversely used cell type for therapeutic applications. MSCs have been used to treat graft-versus-host disease following bone marrow transplantation, autoimmune diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes), and in regenerative medicine applications. Emerging applications include the treatment of lung disease/injury and the treatment of heart failure.

The use of DMSO as a protective agent for MSCs creates concerns for emerging clinical applications. Intravascular infusion of DMSO is associated with cardiac events (hypotension, arrythmia, etc). The application of MSCs for cardiac repair/regeneration requires implantation of MSCs into the heart muscle. Injection of cells containing DMSO into the heart brings with it an unacceptable risk of adverse reactions. The objective of this study is to develop a DMSO-free formulation for the preservation of MSCs.