Identifying a precise and accurate cell counting method considering the cell type and application is crucial for the development of robust and reliable manufacturing processes, product characterization, and eventually commercialization of the cell therapies. In this study, accuracy, precision and specificity of cell count and viability (CCV) measurements were assessed for Mesenchymal Stem Cells, T-cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells using two automated platforms and compared with manual hemocytometer-based cell staining approaches (Trypan blue and AO/PI staining). This study demonstrates that there may be no “one size fits all” solution for cell counting as the suitability of the automated cell count methods varied with different cell types. Importantly, automated CCV platforms resulted in significantly more reliable and less variable measurements, which can be a major step forward towards characterization and commercialization of CT manufacturing processes.
Author: Behnam Ahmadian Baghbaderani, Global Head of Process Development, Cell & Gene Technologies