Benefits of cryopreservation as long-term storage method of encapsulated cardiosphere-derived cells for cardiac therapy: A biomechanical analysis

Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) encapsulated within alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules present a promising treatment alternative for myocardial infarction. However, clinical translatability of CDCs requires robust long-term preservation microcapsule and cell stability, since culture at 37 °C long periods prior to patient implantation involve high resource, space manpower costs, sometimes unaffordable facilities. Cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen is well-established procedure easily store with good recovery rate, but its effects on are understudied. In this work, we assess both the biological response mechanical stability after (i.e., 60 days) cryopreservation compare them cultured °C. We investigate first time stiffness topographical features therapy. Our results show that functionality optimum during 7 days °C, while seems better guarantee APA properties longer storage than 15 days. These point out as suitable technique be translated from bench clinic.