From 3D to 3D: isolation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells into a three-dimensional human platelet lysate matrix

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are considered an important candidate in cell therapy and tissue engineering approaches. The culture of stem cells in a 3D environment is known to better resemble the in vivo situation and to promote therapeutically relevant effects in isolated cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an approach for the direct isolation of MSCs from adipose tissue into a 3D environment, avoiding contact to a 2D plastic surface. Furthermore, the use of a cryoprotective medium for the cryopreservation of whole adipose tissue was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cryopreservation of fresh adipose tissue with and without a cryoprotective medium was compared with regard to the viability and metabolic activity of cells. After thawing, the tissue was embedded in a novel human platelet lysate-based hydrogel for the isolation of MSCs. The migration, yield, viability, and metabolic activity of cells from the 3D matrix were compared to cells from 2D explant culture. Also, the surface marker profile and differentiation capacity of MSCs from the 3D matrix were evaluated and compared to MSCs from isolation by enzymatic treatment or 2D explant culture. RESULTS: The cryopreservation of whole adipose tissue was found to be feasible, and therefore, adipose tissue can be stored and is available for MSC isolation on demand. Also, we demonstrate the isolation of MSCs from adipose tissue into the 3D matrix. The cells derived from this isolation procedure display a similar phenotype and differentiation capacity like MSCs derived by traditional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The presented approach allows to cryopreserve adipose tissue. Furthermore, for the first time, MSCs were directly isolated from the tissue into a soft 3D hydrogel environment, avoiding any contact to a 2D plastic culture surface. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1346-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.