This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82172107), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (2021A1515011927, 2021A1515010918, 2020A1515110347), Shenzhen Medical Research Fund (SMRF.D2301015), the Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Committee (JCYJ20210324135014040, JCYJ20220530172807016, JCYJ20230807150908018, JCYJ20230807150915031), and Longgang District Special Fund for Economic and Technological Development (LGKCYLWS2022007).

Samples were obtained from the consenting, healthy donors from the Shenzhen Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Guangdong, China. The use of human samples for the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (SZLDH2020LSYM-095) and Medical Ethics Committee of Shenzhen Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital (LGFYYXLLS-2020-005). All experiments were conducted according to the approved guidelines. The details of the reagent...

Dissection and Isolation of WJ-MSCs from the Human Umbilical Cord

<ol>
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W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Wharton's+jelly-derived+mesenchymal+stem+cells:+Phenotypic+characterization+and+optimizing+their+therapeutic+potential+for+clinical+applications.">Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Phenotypic characterization and optimizing their therapeutic potential for clinical applications.</a> Int J Mol Sci. 14 (6), 11692-11712 (2013).</li><li>Drobiova, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Wharton's+jelly+mesenchymal+stem+cells:+A+concise+review+of+their+secretome+and+prospective+clinical+applications.">Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells: A concise review of their secretome and prospective clinical applications.</a> Front Cell Dev Biol. 11, 1211217 (2023).</li><li>Joerger-Messerli, M. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mesenchymal+stem+cells+from+Wharton's+jelly+and+amniotic+fluid.">Mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton's jelly and amniotic fluid.</a> Best Pract Res Cl Ob. 31, 30-44 (2016).</li><li>Pera, M., Subramanian, A., Fong, C. -. Y., Biswas, A., Bongso, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+characterization+of+cells+from+the+various+compartments+of+the+human+umbilical+cord+shows+that+the+Wharton's+jelly+compartment+provides+the+best+source+of+clinically+utilizable+mesenchymal+stem+cells.">Comparative characterization of cells from the various compartments of the human umbilical cord shows that the Wharton's jelly compartment provides the best source of clinically utilizable mesenchymal stem cells.</a> Plos One. 10 (6), 0127992 (2015).</li><li>Petrenko, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparative+analysis+of+multipotent+mesenchymal+stromal+cells+derived+from+different+sources,+with+a+focus+on+neuroregenerative+potential.">A comparative analysis of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells derived from different sources, with a focus on neuroregenerative potential.</a> Sci Rep. 10 (1), 4290 (2020).</li><li>Davies, J. E., Walker, J. T., Keating, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Concise+review:+Wharton's+jelly:+The+rich,+but+enigmatic,+source+of+mesenchymal+stromal+cells.">Concise review: Wharton's jelly: The rich, but enigmatic, source of mesenchymal stromal cells.</a> Stem Cells Transl Med. 6 (7), 1620-1630 (2017).</li><li>Pan, Y., Wu, W., Jiang, X., Liu, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mesenchymal+stem+cell-derived+exosomes+in+cardiovascular+and+cerebrovascular+diseases:+From+mechanisms+to+therapy.">Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: From mechanisms to therapy.</a> Biomed Pharmacother. 163, 114817 (2023).</li><li>Elshaer, S. L., Bahram, S. H., Rajashekar, P., Gangaraju, R., El-Remessy, A. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modulation+of+mesenchymal+stem+cells+for+enhanced+therapeutic+utility+in+ischemic+vascular+diseases.">Modulation of mesenchymal stem cells for enhanced therapeutic utility in ischemic vascular diseases.</a> Int J Mol Sci. 23 (1), 249 (2021).</li><li>Wang, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stem+cell+therapy+for+Crohn's+disease:+Systematic+review+and+meta-analysis+of+preclinical+and+clinical+studies.">Stem cell therapy for Crohn's disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies.</a> Stem Cell Res Ther. 12 (1), 463 (2021).</li><li>Shi, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immunoregulatory+mechanisms+of+mesenchymal+stem+and+stromal+cells+in+inflammatory+diseases.">Immunoregulatory mechanisms of mesenchymal stem and stromal cells in inflammatory diseases.</a> Nat Rev Nephrol. 14 (8), 493-507 (2018).</li><li>Kassem, D. H., Kamal, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Wharton's+jelly+MSCs:+Potential+weapon+to+sharpen+for+our+battle+against+DM.">Wharton's jelly MSCs: Potential weapon to sharpen for our battle against DM.</a> Trends Endocrinol Metab. 31 (4), 271-273 (2020).</li><li>Saleh, M., Fotook Kiaei, S. Z., Kavianpour, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Application+of+Wharton+jelly-derived+mesenchymal+stem+cells+in+patients+with+pulmonary+fibrosis.">Application of Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.</a> Stem Cell Res Ther. 13 (1), 71 (2022).</li><li>Varaa, N., Azandeh, S., Khodabandeh, Z., Gharravi, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Wharton's+jelly+mesenchymal+stem+cell:+Various+protocols+for+isolation+and+differentiation+of+hepatocyte-like+cells;+narrative+review.">Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cell: Various protocols for isolation and differentiation of hepatocyte-like cells; narrative review.</a> Iran J Med Sci. 44 (6), 437-448 (2019).</li><li>Hassan, G., Kasem, I., Soukkarieh, C., Aljamali, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+method+to+isolate+and+expand+human+umbilical+cord+derived+mesenchymal+stem+cells:+Using+explant+method+and+umbilical+cord+blood+serum.">A simple method to isolate and expand human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells: Using explant method and umbilical cord blood serum.</a> Int J Stem Cells. 10 (2), 184-192 (2017).</li><li>Naeem, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+isolation+and+culture+protocols+for+human+amniotic+mesenchymal+stem+cells.">A comparison of isolation and culture protocols for human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells.</a> Cell Cycle. 21 (15), 1543-1556 (2022).</li><li>Yoon, J. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+explant-derived+and+enzymatic+digestion-derived+MSCs+and+the+growth+factors+from+Wharton's+jelly.">Comparison of explant-derived and enzymatic digestion-derived MSCs and the growth factors from Wharton's jelly.</a> Biomed Res Int. 2013, 428726 (2013).</li><li>Reinisch, A., Strunk, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+animal+serum+free+expansion+of+human+umbilical+cord+derived+mesenchymal+stromal+cells+(MSCs)+and+endothelial+colony+forming+progenitor+cells+(CFCs).">Isolation and animal serum free expansion of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial colony forming progenitor cells (CFCs).</a> J Vis Exp. (32), e1525 (2009).</li><li>Beeravolu, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+characterization+of+mesenchymal+stromal+cells+from+human+umbilical+cord+and+fetal+placenta.">Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells from human umbilical cord and fetal placenta.</a> J Vis Exp. (122), e55224 (2017).</li><li>Dominici, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimal+criteria+for+defining+multipotent+mesenchymal+stromal+cells.+The+International+Society+for+Cellular+Therapy+position+statement.">Minimal criteria for defining multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. The International Society for Cellular Therapy position statement.</a> Cytotherapy. 8 (4), 315-317 (2006).</li><li>Samsonraj, R. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Concise+review:+Multifaceted+characterization+of+human+mesenchymal+stem+cells+for+use+in+regenerative+medicine.">Concise review: Multifaceted characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells for use in regenerative medicine.</a> Stem Cells Transl Med. 6 (12), 2173-2185 (2017).</li><li>Sypecka, M., Bzinkowska, A., Sulejczak, D., Dabrowski, F., Sarnowska, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+the+optimal+manufacturing+protocols+and+therapeutic+properties+of+mesenchymal+stem/stromal+cells+derived+from+Wharton's+jelly.">Evaluation of the optimal manufacturing protocols and therapeutic properties of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from Wharton's jelly.</a> Int J Mol Sci. 24 (1), 652 (2022).</li><li>Binato, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stability+of+human+mesenchymal+stem+cells+during+in+vitro+culture:+Considerations+for+cell+therapy.">Stability of human mesenchymal stem cells during in vitro culture: Considerations for cell therapy.</a> Cell Prolif. 46 (1), 10-22 (2012).</li><li>Mushahary, D., Spittler, A., Kasper, C., Weber, V., Charwat, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation,+cultivation,+and+characterization+of+human+mesenchymal+stem+cells.">Isolation, cultivation, and characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells.</a> Cytometry A. 93 (1), 19-31 (2018).</li><li>Hendijani, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Explant+culture:+An+advantageous+method+for+isolation+of+mesenchymal+stem+cells+from+human+tissues.">Explant culture: An advantageous method for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from human tissues.</a> Cell Prolif. 50 (2), 12334 (2017).</li></ol>

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

MSCs represent a dynamic area of research with profound implications for regenerative medicine22. Their unique properties make them a focal point for scientific inquiry and hold the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases and injuries7. WJ-MSCs are a distinct subset of MSCs, which can be obtained from the gelatinous connective tissue within the UC situated between the intervascular and amniotic epithelium23. The clinical ...

Since the first isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from Wharton&#39;s jelly (WJ) in 1991, these multipotent stem cells have gained significant attention from researchers due to their regenerative properties and multilineage differentiation capacity1. MSCs can be isolated from various sources, including bone marrow, peripheral blood, dental pulp, adipose tissue, fetal (human abortion), and birth-related tissues2. The umbilical cord (UC) has emerged as a promising reservoir due to its non-invasive nature, abundant cell yield and differentiation capacity, exhibiting a high rate of proliferation, differentiation potential, and immune modulation properties3. Fetal MSCs exhibit strong stemness and immune properties, making them the primary focus of clinical trials and basic research conducted over the past two decades2,4,5. UC-derived MSCs have superior therapeutic potential compared to other sources of MSC, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue6,7.
The UC is composed of amniotic epithelium, three vessels (two arteries and one vein), and the gelatinous substance known as WJ3. Intriguingly, the UC constitutes a simple vasculature, consisting only of the endothelium and mesothelium, but not the tunica adventitia; the WJ does not contain lymph or nerves8. The UC presents a unique structure ideal for segmental separation. UC-MSCs are primarily located in the WJ. MSCs could be isolated from different compartments of the WJ, including amnion, subamnion (the amnion and subamnion also designated as cord lining region), and the perivascular area of the WJ8. Each region of the WJ has its own structure, immunohistochemical characteristics, and function3,6.
MSCs isolated from the WJ of the UC are widely regarded as having superior clinical utility compared to those from other regions3. WJ-MSCs have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical settings for the treatment of various diseases due to their multi-line differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties, paracrine effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune-privileged properties2,3. WJ-MSCs have been proven to hold promise in treating a range of diseases, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), graft rejection, Crohn&#39;s disease, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases9,10,11,12,13,14. As clinical demand for WJ-MSCs continues to increase, the shortage supply of umbilical cords is currently an impediment to their widespread applications.
The yield of WJ-MSCs is dependent on the method used for cell extraction15. While WJ-MSCs can be isolated through explant culture or enzyme digestion, the latter method has a longer propagation time that may increase the risk of cell damage and decrease cell viability16. However, numerous studies have shown that the explant culture method increases cell yields and viability, and that paracrine factors released from explant tissues also help promote cell proliferation17,18.
This study applied a unique dissection approach to obtain whole WJ, yielding MSCs with enhanced proliferative capacity, viability, and quantity, while minimizing damage to the WJ. This innovative method offers a streamlined strategy for isolating WJ-MSCs, addressing critical needs in MSC applications.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>APC anti-human CD44 Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>338806</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24-well cell culture plates</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>142475</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>APC anti-human CD73 (Ecto-5&#39;-nucleotidase) Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>344006</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>APC Mouse IgG1, &#954; Isotype Ctrl (FC) Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>400122</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Autoclave</td>
			<td>HIRAYAMA</td>
			<td>HVE-50</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Automatic Cell Counter</td>
			<td>Countstar</td>
			<td>FL-CD</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BAMBANKER Cryopreservation Solution</td>
			<td>Wako</td>
			<td>302-14681</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell Staining Buffer</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>420201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centrifugal Machine</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>5424R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Clean Bench</td>
			<td>Shanghai ZhiCheng</td>
			<td>C1112B</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CO2 Incubator</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>HERAcell 150i</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>D-PBS</td>
			<td>Solarbio</td>
			<td>D1040</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electro- thermostatic Blast Oven</td>
			<td>Shanghai JingHong</td>
			<td>DHG-9423A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FITC anti-human CD105 Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>323204</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FITC anti-human CD90 (Thy1) Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>328108</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FITC Mouse IgG1, &#954; Isotype Ctrl (FC) Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>400110</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flow Cytometry</td>
			<td>Beckman</td>
			<td>CytoFLEX</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>hemocytometer</td>
			<td>Superior Marienfeld</td>
			<td>640410</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Intracellular Staining Permeabilization Wash Buffer (10&#215;)&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>421002</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Inverted Biological Microscope</td>
			<td>ZEISS</td>
			<td>Axio Vert. A1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>CY50935-70</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Normal saline (NS)</td>
			<td>Meilunbio</td>
			<td>MA0083</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS</td>
			<td>Solarbio</td>
			<td>P1032</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE anti-human CD11b Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>393112</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE anti-human CD19 Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>392506</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE anti-human CD34 Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>343606</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE anti-human CD45 Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>368510</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE anti-human HLA-DR Antibody&#160;</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>307606</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE Mouse IgG1, &#954; Isotype Ctrl (FC) Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>400114</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PE Mouse IgG2a, &#954; Isotype Ctrl (FC) Antibody</td>
			<td>Biolegend&#160;</td>
			<td>400214</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Precision Electronic Balance</td>
			<td>Satorius</td>
			<td>PRACTUM313-1CN</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Snowflake Ice Machine</td>
			<td>ZIEGRA</td>
			<td>ZBE 30-10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>steriled 50 mL plastic tube</td>
			<td>Greniner</td>
			<td>227270</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermostatic Water Bath</td>
			<td>Shanghai YiHeng</td>
			<td>HWS12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypsin 1:250</td>
			<td>Solarbio</td>
			<td>T8150</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UltraGRO-Advanced</td>
			<td>Helios&#160;</td>
			<td>HPCFDCGL50</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrapure and Pure Water Purification System</td>
			<td>Milli-Q</td>
			<td>Milli-Q Reference</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xeno-Free Human MSC Culture Medium</td>
			<td>FUKOKU&#160;</td>
			<td>T2011301</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

isolation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells with high yields and low damage

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells with remarkable regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Wharton's jelly (WJ) from the umbilical cord (UC) has gained increasing interest in the biomedical field as an outstanding source of MSCs. However, challenges such as limited supply and lack of standardization in existing methods have arisen. This article presents a novel method for enhancing MSC yield by dissecting intact WJ from the umbilical cord. The method employs blunt dissection to remove the epithelial layer, maintaining the integrity of the entire WJ and resulting in an increased quantity and viability of harvested MSCs. This approach significantly reduces WJ waste compared to conventional sharp dissection methods. To ensure the purity of WJ-MSCs and minimize external cellular influence, a procedure utilizing internal tension to peel off the endothelium after flipping the UC was conducted. Additionally, the Petri dish was inverted for a short time during explant culture to improve attachment and cell outgrowth. Comparative analysis demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method, showing a higher yield of WJ and WJ-MSCs with better viability than traditional methods. The similar morphology and expression pattern of cell surface markers in both methods confirm their characterization and purity for various applications. This method provides a high-yield and high-viability approach for WJ-MSC isolation, demonstrating great potential for the clinical application of MSCs.

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Stem Cell-Derived Vascularized Organoids and Optimized Isolation of Wharton&#039;s Jelly for Enhanced MSC Production

Isolation of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells with High Yields and Low Damage

Our research used human stem cells to create various organoids. They can mimic human organs. We developed unique techniques for mesoderm and endoderm co-differentiation.They enable these organoids with rich blood networks. These organoids will promote organ development, regeneration medicine, disease model, drug screening, and personalized medicine, such as organoid transplantation. Our protocol addresses a research gap in optimizing the isolation of intact Wharton's jelly from the umbilical cord, while preserving its perivascular and subamniotic components.This method aims to enhance the yield, viability, and proliferative ability of mesenchymal stem cells, offering a cost-effective approach to augment MSC production. The advantage of our protocol lies in its ability to obtain a higher Wharton's jelly's yield and harvest more MSCs with better proliferative ability compared to traditional methods.

The procedures for collecting and culturing UC-MSCs, as well as their subsequent analysis, are summarized in Figure 1. The UC was neatly dissected into several sections using the unique method; the specific operation diagram of the main procedures is illustrated in Figure 2. The outgrowth of cells from explant cultures was routinely monitored and recorded. Adherent spindle-shaped cells were observed approximately 4 days after culturing the explants and increasin...

This study presents a unique blunt dissection procedure to preserve the integrity of Wharton's jelly (WJ), resulting in less damaged WJ and a greater quantity and viability of the harvested mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The method demonstrates superior yield and proliferative ability compared to conventional sharp dissection methods.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells with remarkable regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Wharton's jelly (WJ) ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Isolation and Culture of Wharton&#39;s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) from the Umbilical Cord

To begin, place all the sterile surgical instruments on the working platform. In the biosafety cabinet, disinfect the surface of the tube containing the previously collected human umbilical cord with 75%ethanol. Remove the sample into a Petri dish.Immerse the sample with the knots in 75%ethanol for 30 seconds. Then, in a new Petri dish, rinse the sample multiple times with sterile PBS. Using surgical scissors and forceps, cut the knots off, then cut the cord between two knots transversely into short pieces.Perfuse the vein with PBS using a one milliliter pipette until the fluid coming out of the other end of the cord becomes completely transparent. Transfer one of the already cut pieces of umbilical cord to a new Petri dish. Add the appropriate amount of PBS to keep the cord wet throughout the operation.Grasp the cord with forceps and pull out the arteries along its major axis with the help of mosquito clamps. To fix the cord horizontally with the thicker side facing up, insert one blade of the forceps into the umbilical vein and clamp it tightly, ensuring the forceps clamp on the thicker side. Using a scalpel, make a linear incision on the amniotic epithelium layer from one end to the other, along the edge of the other blade of the forceps.From the cutting gap corner, lift the corner of the amniotic epithelium with tooth clamps, and continue to cut horizontally a little further with corneal scissors along the inner surface of the epithelium. Separate the Wharton's jelly and amniotic epithelium with clamps, and gradually expand to the whole circle of one end of the umbilical cord. Peel off the epithelial layer lengthways.Insert both blades of the forceps inside the vein. Clamp a portion of Wharton's jelly, and then flip it inside out to expose the epithelium of the umbilical vein. Peel off the epithelium of the vein easily.Place the collected Wharton's jelly in a pre-labeled 90 millimeter Petri dish and cut it into one to three millimeter pieces with scissors and forceps. Invert the dish with the cap on the bottom and place it in a 5%carbon dioxide incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Change the human mesenchymal stem cell culture medium every three days.Compared to the conventional approach, the unique blunt dissection procedure showed a significant increase in Wharton's jelly yield. Further analysis by counting the total quantity of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells by both methods showed a pronounced gap in cell quantity with increasing passage numbers. The proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells in the novel method was significantly higher after two days.

641 Views.  Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.  This study presents a unique blunt dissection procedure to preserve the integrity of Wharton's jelly (WJ), resulting in less damaged WJ and a greater quantity and viability of the harvested mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The method demonstrates superior yield and proliferative ability compared to conventional sharp dissection methods.

Dissection and Isolation of WJ-MSCs from the Human Umbilical Cord

Summary