OBJECTIVE: To compare human mesenchymal stem cells obtained from reusable and disposable filters and to characterize them according to the criteria of the International Society of Cellular Therapy. METHODS: Human mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from bone marrow collection reusable sets and compared with those obtained from disposable sets by washing the filters with cell culture media. The isolated cells were characterized according to the criteria of the International Society of Cellular Therapy using flow cytometry, differentiation in vitro, and cytochemistry techniques. RESULTS: Samples were obtained from disposable (n=3) and from reusable collection sets (n=3). All samples obtained from bone marrow disposable sets successfully produced mesenchymal stem cells. All bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells were characterized and fulfilled the criteria established by International Society of Cellular Therapy. CONCLUSION: This study showed that mesenchymal stem cells can also be obtained from reusable collection sets (which are still used in several centers around the world) to be employed in research as an alternative and ethical source.
Mesenchymal stem cells; Bone marrow; Filtration; Disposable equipment; Recycling
