Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction Using a New Protocol with All Clinical-Grade Drugs: From Basic Study to Clinical Application

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024 Jul 10. doi: 10.1007/s00266-024-04221-9. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield, viability, clinical safety, and efficacy of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) separated with a new protocol with all clinical-grade drugs.

Materials and methods: SVF cells were isolated from lipoaspirate obtained from 13 participants aged from 30 to 56 years by using a new clinical protocol and the laboratory protocol. The cell yield, viability, morphology, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) surface marker expression, and differentiation abilities of the SVF cells harvested from the two protocols were compared. Furthermore, three related clinical trials were conducted to verify the safety and efficiency of SVF cells isolated by the new clinical protocol.

Results: There were no significant differences in the yield, viability, morphology, and differentiation potential of the SVFs isolated with the clinical protocol and laboratory protocol. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC) surface marker expression, including that of CD14, CD31, CD44, CD90, CD105, and CD133, was consistent between the two protocols. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of the SVF isolated with the new clinical protocol in improving skin grafting, promoting mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration and improving facial skin texture. No complications occurred.

Conclusion: SVF isolated by the new clinical protocol had a noninferior yield and viability to that of the SVF separated by the laboratory protocol. SVFs obtained by the new protocol can be safely and effectively applied to improve skin grafting, promote mechanical stretch-induced skin regeneration, and improve facial skin texture.

Trial registration: The trials were registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03189628), the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000039317), and the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02546882). All the three trials were not patient-funded trials.

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Keywords: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs); Collagenase; Fat graft; Skin regeneration; Stromal vascular fraction (SVF).

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02546882
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03189628