Fast and efficient isolation of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells by using a biocompatible polymer

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into bone, fat, cartilage, tendon, and other organ progenitor cells. The rarity of MSCs in bone marrow necessitates fast and efficient isolation and/or in vitro expansion prior to clinical and biomedical applications. Previously, we reported that UV-exposed diphenylamino-s-triazine bridged p-phenylene vinylene (DTOPV-UV) with a hydrophilic and negative surface-containing carboxyl group is highly biocompatible and provides a substrate for efficient human bone marrow-derived MSC attachment. In this study, we applied this polymeric film to early adhesion and enrichment of MSCs from mouse bone marrow. With its high protein- binding capacity, DTOPV-UV film was more efficient in early capture of adherent bone marrow cells than conventional tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Cell binding to DTOPV-UV reached full capacity within 1 hr, whereas cell attachment to TCPS gradually increased over time. The isolated and culture-expanded MSCs from mouse bone marrow displayed typical morphology, phenotype, and differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Here, we demonstrate a novel method for isolating MSCs from mouse bone marrow using a biocompatible polymer. This method will aid the development of rapid and efficient isolation and in vitro expansion protocols for rare adherent cells.