Innovative Adipose Tissue Fractionation for Transforming Fat into Specialized Components

Summary

Here, we present a protocol that can transform autologous adipose tissue into various adipose component substances with different physicochemical properties and functions.

Abstract

Traditional autologous adipose tissue grafting is commonly used for volume augmentation and tissue regeneration. However, the uniform physical and biological properties of fat grafts often lead to suboptimal performance in diverse patient scenarios and multifaceted requirements. Expanding upon the foundations of autologous fat transplantation, we introduce a pioneering approach termed autologous adipose component transplantation. This innovative concept integrates a meticulously designed protocol aimed at converting autologous adipose tissue into a diverse array of adipose components, each characterized by unique physicochemical properties tailored to address specific applications across varied clinical contexts. Through a series of physical methods, adipose tissue can be transformed into an Adipose Matrix Complex (AMC) providing sufficient rigid support, High-Density Fat (HDF) for further filling, Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF)-gel for small and/or precise injections, and Adipose Collagen Fragment (ACF) for fine wrinkles and/or facial rejuvenation needs. These distinct adipose components possess inherent characteristics that lend themselves to precise and targeted transplantation strategies, catering to the nuanced demands of individual patient needs. The novel adipose tissue fractionation protocol shows great potential in revolutionizing adipose tissue grafting. It offers a new perspective and methodology for more refined and tailored transplantation.

Introduction

Autologous adipose tissue grafting is a widely used technique for volumetric enhancement and tissue regeneration, driven by advancements in donor site preparation, fat extraction, processing, and implantation^1,2,3,4. However, the uniform physical and biological properties of traditional fat grafts often limit their effectiveness in addressing diverse clinical needs⁵. To overcome these limitations, our research team has developed an innovative adipose tissue fractionation protocol, transforming autologous fat into spec....

Protocol

This research was approved by the Ethical Review Board in Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China. Adipose tissue was collected from healthy donors who gave written informed consent to take part in the study. All animal experiments were approved by the Nanfang Hospital Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and performed according to the guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council (China).

1. Fat preparation

1. General anesthesia and tumescent fluid infiltration
   1. Place the patient under general anesthesia. During the intravenous induction phase, administer a combination of propofol (2 ....

Results

Through various mechanical procedures performed during the surgical process, we successfully transformed adipose tissue into distinct adipose components with different characteristics. They are, in sequence, the AMC that provides ample robust support (Figure 1A), the HDF for further filling (Figure 1B), the SVF-gel for precise injections in small areas (Figure 1C), and the ACF for addressing fine wrinkles or facial restoration needs.......

Discussion

This adipose tissue fractionation protocol involves several critical steps that ensure the successful isolation of specialized components. First, the centrifugation of harvested adipose tissue separates it into high-density fat (HDF) and low-density fat (LDF), each with distinct cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions^23,24. HDF, rich in viable adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, is further processed to obtain the Adipose Matrix Comp.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
0.001% Epinephrine	Sigma-Aldrich	E4375
0.06% Lidocaine	Sigma-Aldrich	L5647
3-mm Multiport Cannula	Tulip Medical Products, San Diego, CA, USA	/
50-ml Centrifuge Tubes	Corning	430829
BOSE ElectroForce Load Testing Device	Bose Corporation	/
Collagenase	Worthington Biochemical	LS004176
Female-to-Female Luer-Lok Connector	BD Biosciences	309628
Filtering Device with Sleeve and Sieves	Custom-made (Shanghai Tiangong Instruments Co., Ltd.)	/
Gauze	Medline Industries	MDS093944
Hematoxylin/Eosin Staining Kit	Sigma-Aldrich	HT110116
Masson's Trichrome Staining Kit	Sigma-Aldrich	HT15
Nude mice	Southern Mdical University	/
Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS)	Thermo Fisher Scientific	10010023
Round Stainless-Steel Filter Screen (0.15 mm)	Shanghai Tiangong Instruments Co., Ltd.	/
Round Stainless-Steel Filter Screen (0.25 mm)	Shanghai Tiangong Instruments Co., Ltd.	/
Sterilized 100 Mesh Filter Bag	Shanghai Tiangong Instruments Co., Ltd.	/
Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF)-Gel Extractor	Shanghai Tiangong Instruments Co., Ltd.	/
Trypsin	Thermo Fisher Scientific	25200056
Western Blot Analysis Kit	Bio-Rad	1705061