Conclusions
Geographical limitations of CB transplantation and banking have required a non-electrical, non-centrifugal solution. This novel filter CellEffic CB device revealed rapid yet gentle cell processing while maintaining the stem/progenitor cell compartment required for both haematological and regenerative medicine therapies.
Methods
CB was processed with a novel filter device (CellEffic CB, consisting of non-woven fabric), without any centrifugation. Cells were harvested by flushing the filter with either HES or physiological saline solution (SALINE). Differential cell counts and viability analysis, combined with Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) (total nucleated cells [TNC], mononuclear cells [MNC], CD45+ CD34+ cells, hematopoietic precursor cells [HPCs]) and clonogenic assay, were employed for analysis of CB pre- and post-processing, and after freeze/thawing.
Results
Processing using the novel filter yielded high quality RBC depletion while maintaining good recovery of TNC, MNC, CD34+, HPCs and colony forming unit (CFU) output. The filter performed equally well using HES or SALINE. Gravity-led flow provided gentle cell movement and protection of the stem cell compartment. Post-thaw CFU output was maintained particularly, an important indicator for CB banking. Conclusions: Geographical limitations of CB transplantation and banking have required a non-electrical, non-centrifugal solution. This novel filter CellEffic CB device revealed rapid yet gentle cell processing while maintaining the stem/progenitor cell compartment required for both haematological and regenerative medicine therapies.