Novel hydrogel system eliminates subculturing and improves retention of nonsenescent mesenchymal stem cell populations.

To compare the physiological behavior of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) within an expandable tissue-mimetic 3D system relative to expansion in a traditional 2D system. Adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) were continuously cultured for 6 weeks on either 2D culture plastic or in a 3D hydrogel system that eliminated subculturing. ASCs were assessed for senescence, 'stem-like' MSC markers, and ability for their secretome to augment a secondary cell population. The 3D hydrogel system resulted in an enhanced retention of more regenerative, nonsenescent ASC populations that exhibited increased expression of 'stem-like' MSC surface markers. This study introduces a proof-of-concept design for a novel modular 3D system that can improve expansion of stem-like cell populations for future regenerative therapies.