Clinically relevant preservation conditions for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from perinatal and adult tissue sources

The interplay between mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and preservation conditions is critical to maintain the viability and functionality of these cells before administration. We observed that Ringer lactate (RL) maintained high viability of bone marrow–derived MSCs for up to 72 h at room temperature (18°C–22°C), whereas adipose‐derived and umbilical cord‐derived MSCs showed the highest viability for 72 h at a cold temperature (4°C–8°C). These cells maintained their adherence ability with an improved recovery rate and metabolic profiles (glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration) similar to those of freshly harvested cells. Growth factor and cytokine analyses revealed that the preserved cells released substantial amounts of leukaemia inhibitory factors (LIFs), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A), as well as multiple cytokines (eg IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, MPC‐1 and TNF‐α). Our data provide the simplest clinically relevant preservation conditions that maintain the viability, stemness and functionality of MSCs from perinatal and adult tissue sources.