Emerging Applications and Challenges in SPR-Based Biosensors for Non-Invasive Quality Assessment of Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) via Secretome Analysis.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained widespread attention for their regenerative and immunomodulatory potential, primarily mediated through their secretome. Among various MSC sources, Wharton's Jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) are emerging as a promising candidate due to their superior proliferative capacity and ethical advantages. However, a critical challenge in stem cell-based therapies is the need for robust, non-invasive quality assessment methods to ensure biosafety and bioefficacy. Traditional evaluation techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), offer limited real-time detection and require complex sample processing. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensors provide a real-time, label-free alternative for assessing MSC secretomes, particularly the quantification of key bioactive molecules such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c (VEGF). This review explores the design, application, and challenges of SPR-based biosensing for secretome analysis in WJ-MSC quality assessment. The principles of SPR, key biosensor design parameters, and the role of HGF and VEGF are also discussed as critical biomarkers in evaluating the therapeutic potential of WJ-MSCs. Future research should focus on optimizing ligand immobilization strategies, improving sensitivity for low-concentration secretomes, and aligning SPR-based assessments with regulatory guidelines to facilitate its adoption in regenerative medicine.