Scalable platform for human embryonic stem cell differentiation to cardiomyocytes in suspended microcarrier cultures

Tissue Eng Part C Methods. 2010 Dec;16(6):1609-19. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEC.2010.0104. Epub 2010 Aug 28.

Abstract

A scalable platform for human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cardiomyocyte (CM) production can provide a readily available source of CMs for cell therapy, drug screening, and cardiotoxicity tests. We have designed and optimized a scalable platform using microcarrier cultures in serum-free media supplemented with SB203580 mitogen-activated protein kinase-inhibitor. Different microcarriers (DE-53, Cytodex-1 and 3, FACT, and TOSOH-10) were used to investigate the effects of type, size, shape, and microcarrier concentrations on the differentiation efficiency. hESCs propagated on TOSOH-10 (protamine derivatized 10-μm beads) at the concentration of 0.125 mg/mL produced 80% beating aggregates, threefold cell expansion, and 20% of CMs (determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for myosin heavy chain and α-actinin expression). The ratio of CM/hESC seeded in this system was 0.62 compared to 0.22 in the embryoid body control cultures. The platform robustness has been tested with HES-3 and H1 cell lines, and its scalability was demonstrated in suspended spinner cultures. However, spinner culture yields dropped to 0.33 CM/hESC probably due to shear stress causing some cell death. Cells dissociated from differentiated aggregates showed positive staining for cardio-specific markers such as α-actinin, myosin heavy and light chain, troponin I, desmin, and emilin-2. Finally, CM functionality was also shown by QT-prolongation (QTempo) assay with/without Astemizole. This study represents a new scalable bioprocessing system for CM production using reagents that can comply with Good Manufacturing Practice.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Efficiency
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
  • Microspheres
  • Microtechnology*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Suspensions
  • Tissue Scaffolds* / chemistry

Substances

  • Suspensions