Comparison of human platelet lysate and fetal bovine serum in culture media for human dental pulp stem cell proliferation

Objective: Ex vivo and in vitro cell cultures require a basal medium with added supplements containing growth factors, proteins, and enzymes to support attachment, growth, and proliferation. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is used to supplement cell culture media. However, human platelet lysate (hPL) represents an attractive alternative as it is nonxenogeneic. Methods: Human third molars were collected from six healthy donors (19–35 years old) with no history of regular alcohol consumption or smoking. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) at the second passage were divided into two culture media groups, 10% FBS and 5% hPL, as well as a control group after 24 h of serum starvation. A flow cytometry analysis was conducted to measure CD90, CD105, CD73, CD34, CD45, and Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR). Cellular proliferation was evaluated on days 1, 3, and 5. Results: The flow cytometry analysis revealed that the majority of the cells expressed positive mesenchymal stem cell surface markers, including CD73 (98.5%), CD90 (98.3%), and CD105 (71.0%), and lacked CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. There were significant differences among the 5% hPL, 10% FBS, and control groups on days 1, 3, and 5. Conclusion: For a nonxenogeneic culture, 5% hPL can be used as an alternative in culture media for hDPSC proliferation.