1
|
Meiser I, Alstrup M, Khalesi E, Stephan B, Speicher AM, Majer J, Kwok CK, Neubauer JC, Hansson M, Zimmermann H. Application-Oriented Bulk Cryopreservation of Human iPSCs in Cryo Bags Followed by Direct Inoculation in Scalable Suspension Bioreactors for Expansion and Neural Differentiation. Cells 2023; 12:1914. [PMID: 37508576 PMCID: PMC10378238 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapies are promising tools for regenerative medicine and require bulk numbers of high-quality cells. Currently, cells are produced on demand and have a limited shelf-life as conventional cryopreservation is primarily designed for stock keeping. We present a study on bulk cryopreservation of the human iPSC lines UKKi011-A and BIONi010-C-41. By increasing cell concentration and volume, compared to conventional cryopreservation routines in cryo vials, one billion cells were frozen in 50 mL cryo bags. Upon thawing, the cells were immediately seeded in scalable suspension-based bioreactors for expansion to assess the stemness maintenance and for neural differentiation to assess their differentiation potential on the gene and protein levels. Both the conventional and bulk cryo approach show comparative results regarding viability and aggregation upon thawing and bioreactor inoculation. Reduced performance compared to the non-frozen control was compensated within 3 days regarding biomass yield. Stemness was maintained upon thawing in expansion. In neural differentiation, a delay of the neural marker expression on day 4 was compensated at day 9. We conclude that cryopreservation in cryo bags, using high cell concentrations and volumes, does not alter the cells' fate and is a suitable technology to avoid pre-cultivation and enable time- and cost-efficient therapeutic approaches with bulk cell numbers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Meiser
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Monica Alstrup
- Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Elham Khalesi
- Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Bianca Stephan
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Anna M Speicher
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Julia Majer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Chee Keong Kwok
- Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Julia C Neubauer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Mattias Hansson
- Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Heiko Zimmermann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT), Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meneghel J, Kilbride P, Morris GJ. Cryopreservation as a Key Element in the Successful Delivery of Cell-Based Therapies-A Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:592242. [PMID: 33324662 PMCID: PMC7727450 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.592242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a key enabling technology in regenerative medicine that provides stable and secure extended cell storage for primary tissue isolates and constructs and prepared cell preparations. The essential detail of the process as it can be applied to cell-based therapies is set out in this review, covering tissue and cell isolation, cryoprotection, cooling and freezing, frozen storage and transport, thawing, and recovery. The aim is to provide clinical scientists with an overview of the benefits and difficulties associated with cryopreservation to assist them with problem resolution in their routine work, or to enable them to consider future involvement in cryopreservative procedures. It is also intended to facilitate networking between clinicians and cryo-researchers to review difficulties and problems to advance protocol optimization and innovative design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Meneghel
- Asymptote, Cytiva, Danaher Corporation, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kilbride
- Asymptote, Cytiva, Danaher Corporation, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Becherucci V, Bisin S, Ermini S, Piccini L, Gori V, Gentile F, Ceccantini R, De Rienzo E, Bindi B, Pavan P, Cunial V, Allegro E, Brugnolo F, Bambi F. Comparison of CryoMACS Freezing Bags with Maco Biotech Freezing-Ethinyl Vinyl Acetate Bags for Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Cryopreservation Using a CD34 +-Enriched Product. Biopreserv Biobank 2020; 18:454-461. [PMID: 32813549 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2019.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) cryopreservation have applications, especially in the autologous setting, allowing therapeutic use several years after collection. Cryopreservation aims to preserve the therapeutic properties of HPCs, and successful cryopreservation depends on several factors such as preservation procedures, biopreservation media, freezing rates, and thawing procedures. In this context, the choice of the freezing bag is critical as it provides mechanical protection during the freezing process. Since Maco Biotech Freezing-ethinyl vinyl acetate (EVA) Bags® are no longer available in our country, a comparative study was developed to verify bioequivalence with the Miltenyi CryoMACS® freezing bag. Methods: In this study, a CD34+-enriched product was used to better reproduce HPC apheresis. Freezing bags were filled with the same volume, cryopreserved with controlled rate freezing, and stored in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen for at least 6 months. After thawing, all bags were tested for integrity and sterility using a microbial challenge. In addition, a comparison was developed by evaluating recovery of white blood cells, mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, and CD34+ cells. Results: No significant differences between the two manufacturers' bags have been observed in terms of the evaluated parameters. Data were confirmed, even comparing bags according to filling volume. Data presented in this study support the conclusion that CryoMACS freezing bags are bioequivalent to Maco Biotech Freezing-EVA Bags for HPC cryopreservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Becherucci
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisin
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Ermini
- Stem Cell Collection and Therapeutic Apheresis Unit, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Piccini
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Gori
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Gentile
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ceccantini
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena De Rienzo
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Bindi
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Pavan
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Vanessa Cunial
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Allegro
- Stem Cell Collection and Therapeutic Apheresis Unit, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Brugnolo
- Stem Cell Collection and Therapeutic Apheresis Unit, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Franco Bambi
- Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Microbial contamination risk in hematopoietic stem cell products: retrospective analysis of 1996–2016 data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/ahp-2020-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractQuality assurance and safety of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) with special emphasis on bacterial and fungal contamination is the prerequisite for any transplantation procedure. The aim was to determine the incidence rate of such contamination during processing of transplantation material with regard to HSC source: peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC), bone marrow (BM), or cord blood (CB). Analysis involved autologous and allogenic products dedicated for patients and comprised in all 4135 donations, including 112 BM (2.70%), 3787 PBSC (91.60%), and 236 CB (5.70%) processed in cell bank over the period 1996–2016. Aerobic and anaerobic contamination was determined.Analysis of the 20-year data revealed 42 contaminated products: 25 PBSC (0.66% of tested units) and 17 CB (7.20% of tested units). No microbial contamination of BM products was detected. Overall percentage of contaminated products was 1.01%, mostly with Staphylococcus epidermidis (61.36%). Bacterial contamination rate at cell bank is relatively low and processing in a closed system does not seem as crucial as might be expected. This is particularly true for BM components. Equally important are evaluation of donor’s medical status and condition of the puncture site for collection of source material. Implementation of appropriate sample collection procedures should help minimize the risk of false-positive results due to environmental contamination.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hunt CJ. Technical Considerations in the Freezing, Low-Temperature Storage and Thawing of Stem Cells for Cellular Therapies. Transfus Med Hemother 2019; 46:134-150. [PMID: 31244583 PMCID: PMC6558338 DOI: 10.1159/000497289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The commercial and clinical development of cellular therapy products will invariably require cryopreservation and frozen storage of cellular starting materials, intermediates and/or final product. Optimising cryopreservation is as important as optimisation of the cell culture process in obtaining maximum yield and a consistent end-product. Suboptimal cryopreservation can lead not only to batch-to-batch variation, lowered cellular functionality and reduced cell yield, but also to the potential selection of subpopulations with genetic or epigenetic characteristics divergent from the original cell line. Regulatory requirements also impact on cryopreservation as these will require a robust and reproducible approach to the freezing, storage and thawing of the product. This requires attention to all aspects of the application of low temperatures: from the choice of freezing container and cryoprotectant, the cooling rate employed and its mode of de-livery, the correct handling of the frozen material during storage and transportation, to the eventual thawing of the product by the end-user. Each of these influences all of the others to a greater or lesser extent and none should be ignored. This paper seeks to provide practical insights and alternative solutions to the technical challenges faced during cryopreservation of cells for use in cellular therapies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hurdles Associated with the Translational Use of Genetically Modified Cells. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2018; 4:39-45. [PMID: 33381387 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-018-0115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Recent advancements in the use of genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the emergent use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy has highlighted issues associated with the use of genetically engineered cellular products. This review explores some of the challenges linked with translating the use of genetically modified cells. Recent Findings The use of genetically modified HSCs for ADA-SCID now has European approval and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of CAR-T cells for relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Current good manufacturing processes have now been developed for the collection, expansion, storage, modification, and administration of genetically modified cells. Summary Genetically engineered cells can be used for several therapeutic purposes. However, significant challenges remain in making these cellular therapeutics readily available. A better understanding of this technology along with improvements in the manufacturing process is allowing the translation process to become more standardized.
Collapse
|