Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLUS™ Human Platelet Lysate and why should I use it as a replacement for FBS?
PLUS™ human platelet lysate is a cell culture supplement that supports the in vitro propagation and maintenance of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and other cell types. PLUS™ human platelet lysate provides a completely xenogenic-free alternative to FBS that can significantly improve your cell culture results, i.e., porcine derived heparin is not added during any of the manufacturing steps for PLUS™ nor does it need to be added during cell culture.
How is PLUS™ human platelet lysate different from other platelet lysate products on the market?
Our proprietary manufacturing process removes coagulation factors and eliminates the need for addition of anti-coagulants, such as porcine derived heparin, to PLUS™ human platelet lysate during cell culture resulting in a true xenogenic-free product suitable for standard culture protocols, automated processes, and bioreactors.
Is PLUS™ available as a GMP product?
Yes. PLUS™ human platelet lysate is available as a GMP product. Several leading institutions are testing, validating or using PLUS™ human platelet lysate or other platelet lysate products as a replacement for FBS in their clinical trial protocols. We anticipate a complete shift to platelet lysate for improved safety and efficacy in cellular therapy protocols.
How is PLUS™ human platelet lysate manufactured?
PLUS™ human platelet lysate is manufactured from platelet apheresis units obtained from FDA-registered blood banks utilizing a proprietary method that releases the platelets’ rich payload of growth factors, cytokines, and other proteins, removes coagulation factors, and produces a sterile product with minimal precipitates. Our manufacturing process does not include the addition of any xenogenic additives making the final product a completely xeno-free product.
Do you use fresh or frozen platelets to manufacture PLUS? Is there any difference between fresh and frozen platelets?
PLUS™ human platelet lysate manufacturing process utilizes platelet units frozen within three days of expiration. Our internal quality testing and published scientific literature suggests that there is no significant difference in growth factor activity between fresh and frozen platelets.
What is the shelf life of PLUS™ human platelet lysate?
The current recommended shelf life is 5 years at ≤-20°C.
Once thawed, PLUS™ human platelet lysate may be kept at 4°C for 4 weeks without any significant drop in performance.
Once thawed, PLUS™ human platelet lysate may be kept at 4°C for 4 weeks without any significant drop in performance.
How is PLUS™ human platelet lysate sterilized?
All PLUS™ human platelet lysate products are sterile filtered. Each lot is tested for sterility per USP guidelines.
WHAT MSCS HAVE BEEN TESTED WITH PLUS™ HUMAN PLATELET LYSATE?
PLUS™ human platelet lysate has undergone internal testing using human bone marrow derived (MSCs) and adipose derived stem cells (ASCs). Our customers and recent research publications have indicated that PLUS™ human platelet lysate works well for umbilical cord derived MSCs.
WHAT OTHER CELL TYPES CAN BE GROWN IN PLUS™ HUMAN PLATELET LYSATE?
Our clients have used PLUS™ human platelet lysate for culturing different cell types such as dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, tumor infiltrating T-cells and endothelial cells with success.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL PRODUCTION LOT SIZE FOR PLUS™ HUMAN PLATELET LYSATE?
Our lot sizes range from 20 - 40 liters (i.e. 100 - 200 pooled platelet units). We can also make custom lot sizes between 20 and 40 liters for clients who want to reserve entire lots.
