Adipose-derived Stem Cells: Methods for Isolation and Applications for Clinical Use

Adipose tissue sciences have rapidly expanded since the identification of regenerative cells contained within the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of fat. Isolation of the SVF, containing adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), can be accomplished efficiently in the operating room or in the laboratory through enzymatic digestion of the adipose tissue and concentration of SVF. Cells can be directly re-injected as a mesotherapeutic agent, recombined with a tissue scaffold (e.g., cell-enriched fat grafts) or expanded in culture for tissue-engineered cell therapeutics. The potential for cell therapy is under current investigation by researchers around the world. This chapter reviews laboratory methods for isolating ADSCs and the ongoing clinical trials evaluating cell therapeutic efficacy across many specialties, including cardiology, neurology, immunology, tissue engineering, sports medicine, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.