Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Albumin Supplementation to Cold Injection Solution increases Viability of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells

Samer Srouji, Mizied Falah, Yifat Haritan, Itai Tzchori and Moshe Flugelman

Cell-based therapies have become one of the leading fields of human genetics, where administration of certain cell suspensions now constitutes a potential treatment for various diseases. However, common injection solutions may not sufficiently preserve cell stability and functionality beyond certain times. The present study investigates whether albumin improves viability of endothelial and smooth muscle cells suspended within injection solution. Cells were extracted from vein segments, cultured and suspended in injection solutions supplemented with 1%, 2.5% or 5% albumin and incubated at 4°C for 24 and 48 hours. The viability of both cell lines at 24 hours was found to be significantly higher (P<0.001) when cultured with any of the three albumin concentrations, compared to the control albumin-free solution. Furthermore, the 2.5% albumin-containing solution promoted cell adherence, compared to the control, after 24 hours in culture. These results imply the potential of albumin in preserving cell viability for clinical purposes.