Abstract

Background: For cryopreservation of stem cells, a cryoprotective agent is essential. Dimethyl sulfoxide is commonly used, but has deleterious effects on cell vitality in the warmth and for the recipients of stem cells. The aim of the study was to reduce DMSO and find one cryoprotective solution suitable for stem cells of different origin. Materials: Small volumes of both stem cell apheresis products and cord blood derived stem cells were frozen using six different cryoprotective solutions. Suitability of these solutions was tested by comparing cell vitalities and recovery rates of CD45 and CD34 positive cells and colony forming unit recovery rates.
Results: No single cryoprotective solution being significantly superior regarding all cell qualities and recovery rates could be identified. However, mixing approximately 5% DMSO with hydroxyethyl starch with a molecular weight of 450,000 Dalton showed better results for most qualities examined than DMSO alone, especially when looking at cord blood derived stem cells.
Conclusions: There might not be an all-in-one cryoprotective solution suitable for every purpose regarding the cryopreservation of stem cell concentrates produced from different cell sources. However, when trying to reduce the DMSO amount used, hydroxyethyl starch of a molecular weight of 450,000 Dalton is a suitable option.

DOI: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2016.160928