HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS: A COMPARITIVE STUDY OF THEIR ISOLATION, EXPANSION AND CHARACTERISATION FROM THE BLOOD AND MATRIX OF THE UMBILICAL CORD

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive tools for tissue engineering targeting clinical transplantation due to their regeneration potential and immuno-suppressive capacity. MSCs from bone marrow are widely used, but their harvest requires an invasive procedure. The umbilical cord which is discarded at birth, is a source for both cord blood as well as matrix (also known as Whartonâ?™s jelly), which can be used to derive mesenchymal stem cells. We used both Umbilical cord blood (UCB) and Whartonâ?™s Jelly (WJ ) to isolate MSCs by Density gradient separation and Explant culture method respectively. The same induction system (DMEM low glucose with 20% FBS) was used and the efficiency of isolation, proliferation and expansion were compared. The Whartonâ?™s jelly derived MSCâ?™s (WJMSCs) showed a relatively rapid proliferation and hence is a better source when compared to cord blood. The method of isolation of MSCs from Whartonâ?™s jelly is non controversial, involves a painless procedure (compared to bone marrow aspiration, which is conventionally used) and relatively easier to process than cord blood. Hence Whartonâ?™s jelly is a good source for MSCs with potential therapeutic applications in the future. Mesenchymal stem cells,Wharton’s jelly,Explant method,Umbilical cord blood,Density gradient Comparison,mesenchymal,stem cells,wharton's,explant,umbilical