Fast and Efficient Isolation of Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Using a Biocompatible Polymer

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into bone, fat, cartilage, tendon, and other organ progenitor cells. The rarity of MSCs in bone marrow necessitates fast and efficient isolation and/or in vitro expansion prior to clinical and biomedical applications. Previously, we reported that UV-exposed diphenylamino-s-triazine bridged p-phenylene vinylene (DTOPV-UV) with a hydrophilic and negative surface-containing carboxyl group is highly biocompatible and provides a substrate for efficient human bone marrow-derived MSC attachment. In this study, we applied this polymeric film to early adhesion and enrichment of MSCs from mouse bone marrow. With its high protein- binding capacity, DTOPV-UV film was more efficient in early capture of adherent bone marrow cells than conventional tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Cell binding to DTOPV-UV reached full capacity within 1 hr, whereas cell attachment to TCPS gradually increased over time. The isolated and culture-expanded MSCs from mouse bone marrow displayed typical morphology, phenotype, and differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Here, we demonstrate a novel method for isolating MSCs from mouse bone marrow using a biocompatible polymer. This method will aid the development of rapid and efficient isolation and in vitro expansion protocols for rare adherent cells.