Evaluation of Platelet Lysate-Based Medium and Protein Substrate for HUVEC Culture and Expansion.

Endothelial cell (EC) culture relies on specialized and commercial media with distinct growth supplement compositions. These media are expensive and must be imported, increasing the time to effective use. Human platelet lysate (PL) and platelet lysate serum (PLS) supplemented media are emerging alternatives to commercial media. : Umbilical cords were collected, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were isolated and cultured using different media formulations, using Endothelial Cell Growth, Promocell (ECGM-Promocell) commercial medium, and media supplemented with PL and PLS. A mixed medium combining DMEM-F12 + PLS and ECGM- maintained EC viability, adhesion, and proliferation. Introducing a PL-derived protein substrate enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation by simulating an extracellular matrix. Flow cytometry revealed positive CD31, CD144, and CD146 markers in cells cultured with ECGM- and the mixed medium, with or without the PL-protein substrate. These findings suggest that the mixed medium, especially with the PL protein substrate, offers a cost-effective and efficient approach for EC culture and proliferation, holding promise for research and therapeutic applications.