Autologous plasma rich in growth factors technology for isolation and ex vivo expansion of human dental pulp stem cells for clinical translation

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the use of the autologous technology of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a human-based substitute to fetal bovine serum (FBS) in the culture of human dental pulp stem cells.

Materials & methods: Stem cell characterization was performed. Analysis of isolation, proliferation, migration, trilineage differentiation, senescence and cryopreservation were compared between FBS and PRGF.

Results: Human dental pulp stem cell cultures isolated and maintained with PRGF showed a significantly higher number of cells per explant than FBS cultures. Cell proliferation, migration, osteogenic mineralization and adipogenic differentiation were found to be significantly higher in PRGF than FBS.

Conclusion: The autologous PRGF technology could be a suitable and safer substitute for FBS as a culture medium supplement for clinical translation of cell therapy.

Keywords: autologous cell therapy; dental pulp stem cells; fetal bovine serum; nonanimal alternatives; plasma rich in growth factors; stem cell therapy; xeno-free culture.