Purification and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles from Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Summary

This protocol describes all procedures, from culturing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and collecting supernatant to extracting extracellular vesicles (EVs) using ultracentrifugation.

Abstract

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can promote the regeneration and reconstruction of various tissues and organs. Recent research suggests that their regenerative function may be attributed to cell-cell contact and cell paracrine effects. The paracrine effect is an important way for cells to interact and transfer information over short distances, in which extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a functional role as carriers. There is significant potential for ADSC EVs in regenerative medicine. Multiple studies have reported on the effectiveness of these methods. Various methods for extracting and isolating EVs are currently described based on principles such as centrifugation, precipitation, molecular size, affinity, and microfluidics. Ultracentrifugation is regarded as the gold standard for isolating EVs. Nevertheless, a meticulous protocol to highlight precautions during ultracentrifugation is still absent. This study presents the methodology and crucial steps involved in ADSC culture, supernatant collection, and EV ultracentrifugation. However, even though ultracentrifugation is cost-effective and requires no further treatment, there are still some inevitable drawbacks, such as a low recovery rate and EV aggregation.

Introduction

Most ADSCs are derived from adipose tissue and have been demonstrated to promote the regeneration and reconstruction of various tissues and organs, including the myocardium, bone, and skin¹. Recent research suggests that the regenerative function of ADSCs may be due to intercellular contact and the paracrine effects of the cells². The paracrine effect is an important means for cells to interact and transfer information over short distances, and this function is achieved through extracellular vesicles (EVs).

EVs are double-layer membrane structures produced by cells, with a diameter ranging fro....

Protocol

The overview of the protocol steps is shown in Figure 1. The details of the reagents and equipment used in the study are listed in the Table of Materials.

1. Media preparation

1. Prepare a culture medium for ADSC without exosomes using 450 mL of basal culture medium, 50 mL of fetal bovine serum without exosomes, and 5 mL of triple antibiotics.

2. Resuscitating and culturing ADSCs

Discussion

During the formal experimental process, several points are crucial for achieving the best experimental results. Based on our previous experience, it is recommended to opt for passage 3-6 ADSCs, as they ensure the best possible cell state. Before P3, red blood cells, endothelial cells, and other miscellaneous cells may not have been screened out. After P6, the cells may gradually age, which can affect the state of secreted EVs. Secondly, the supernatant must be collected when the cell confluence degree is between 80% and .......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Acrodisc Needle Filter of Supor Membrane	Acros Organics	4652	0.22 μm
Basal Medium For Cell Culture	OriCell	BHDM-03011
Fetal Bovine Serum Without EXO + Culture Supplement (For Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells)	OriCell	HUXMD-05002
Inverted Microscope	OLYMPUS	Lx70-S8F2
Low Speed Centrifuge	Anhui USTC Zonkia Scientific Instruments Co.,Ltd.	SC-3612
Normocin	InvivoGen	ant-nr-05
Optima Max-XP Tabletop Ultracentrifuge	Beckman Coulter	393315
Penicillin-Streptomycin-Gentamicin Solution (100x)	Solarbio	P1410