How do we prepare MenSCs?

Sep 9, 2025

The answer lies in two key challenges identified across the literature: lack of standardised processing methods, and biological variability among donors (Chen et al., 2019). These limitations have made it difficult to compare results across studies or to scale up production for broader therapeutic use. 

  1. Lack of Standardisation in Collection and Processing

As highlighted in several reviews of MenSCs, current studies often rely on small sample sets collected under varying conditions. In some cases, menstrual blood is collected in clinical settings under sterile protocols, while other studies utilise at-home collection kits designed for donor convenience. While each study applies its own pre-processing criteria, the variation in laboratory protocols—including isolation techniques, culture media, passage number, and cryopreservation methods—has led to inconsistencies in MenSC yield, surface marker expression, and functional potency. This heterogeneity complicates efforts to derive generalisable conclusions across studies or prepare MenSCs for regulatory approval.

  1. Biological Variability in Donor-Derived Cells

Beyond laboratory procedures, intrinsic donor-related variability has been shown to affect MenSC quality and functionality. Factors such as age, hormonal profile, cycle timing, and underlying health conditions can influence the proliferative potential, immunophenotype, and differentiation capacity of isolated cells. As a result, even under identical culture conditions, MenSCs sourced from different donors may demonstrate divergent characteristics, presenting challenges for reproducibility and quality assurance in preclinical research and manufacturing.

Efforts to build a scalable MenSC platform must address both biological and logistical variables. 

Based on current gaps in the literature, the following are key elements to consider: 

  • Donor screening criteria that account for variables known to affect stem cell characteristics.

  • Standardised isolation and expansion protocols that allow for consistent phenotypic and functional outcomes.

  • Ethical and sustained donor engagement, ensuring a reliable and representative pool of contributors.

A coordinated approach that integrates clinical-grade processing with a reliable donor infrastructure will be vital to translate MenSC research into therapeutic platforms. As the field moves toward clinical scalability, collaborations between academic researchers, bio manufacturers, and regulatory bodies will be critical.

MenSC Labs is contributing to these efforts by developing an end-to-end solution for MenSC preparation in Asia Pacific. We are actively building protocols that prioritise sample viability, donor care, and scientific rigor across the processing pipeline. 

This article was reviewed by Prof Dr Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Professor at the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Deputy Director (Research and Networks) at the Advanced Medical & Dental Institute and Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (JBCS). Access his biography here: https://www.amdi.usm.my/badrulyahayagroup.