The effects of continuous exposure to low-dose chlorine dioxide gas on the characteristics of induced pluripotent stem cells

BACKGROUND: Recently, various regenerative therapies have been developed based on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. However, hygienic control strategies have not been established at the manufacturing facilities. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effects of continuous exposure to low-dose chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)) gas on cell fates, and to determine the optimum dose for safe usage of this disinfectant. METHODS: We cultured an iPS cell line in the absence or presence of various doses of ClO(2) gas. We evaluated cell proliferation, cell death, the maintenance of undifferentiated state, and cell senescence. RESULTS: We found that iPS cell proliferation was not affected by 0.05 or 0.1 ppmv ClO(2) gas in the atmosphere. Although 0.1 ppmv ClO(2) slightly affected apoptosis, it was not a significant effect. Moreover, neither at 0.05 nor 0.1 ppmv ClO(2) gas significantly affected the characteristics of iPS cells. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Continuous exposure to 0.05 or 0.1 ppmv ClO(2) gas did not affect the fate of iPS cells. These results may contribute to the development of new strategies for hygiene control in cell processing facilities.