Comparison between platelet lysate, platelet lysate serum, and fetal bovine serum as a supplement for cell culture, expansion, and cryopreservation

Abstract Human platelet lysate (PL) and human platelet lysate serum (PLS) are alternatives to fetal bovine serum (FBS) due to their ethical concerns, variability between batches, and their possible introduction of xenogenic contaminants. This study compared the composition and efficacy of PL, PLS and FBS as supplements in the culture and cryopreservation of human dermal fibroblasts, Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MCS), and adipose tissue (AdMSC). Biochemical components, some growth factors and cytokines present in each of them were analyzed, in addition, the cells were cultured in media supplemented with 5% PL, 5% PLS and 10% FBS, and exposed to different freezing and thawing solutions with the supplements under study. Biochemical parameters were found to be similar in PL and PLS compared to FBS, with some differences in fibrinogen and calcium concentration. Growth factors and cytokines were higher in PL and PLS compared to FBS. Cell proliferation and morphology showed no significant differences between the three-culture media. Regarding the cryopreservation and thawing of cells, better results were obtained with PLS and FBS. In conclusion, PL and PLS are an excellent choice to replace the standard supplement of animal origin (FBS) in the media used for the culture and cryopreservation of fibroblasts, WJ-MSC and AdMSC.