Effect of Gentamicin on Growth and Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

A tissue engineering approach using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to regenerate bone/cartilage tissue. For effective tissue regeneration, cell cultivation under biologically safe conditions is essential. The objective of this study was to determine suitable antibiotic concentrations in culture media for MSCs while maintaining their inherent capabilities for proliferation and osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation. When human MSCs were cultured with over 200 mu g/mL of gentamicin, the rate of cell growth decreased significantly. In contrast, a concentration of 20 mu g/mL gentamicin supported cell proliferation and differentiation capability very well and did not change the expression patterns of cell surface antigens (CD44+, CD105+, CD34-, CD45-). The concentration of 20 mu g/ml is much higher than that of the MIC (Minimum Inhibition Concentration) of common bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli. Therefore, we recommend 20 mu g/mL of gentamicin in culture media for effective tissue regeneration to avoid bacterial contamination and maintain the osteogenic/chondrogenic capability of MSCs. (J Toxicol Pathol 2008; 21: 61-67)