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Three-Dimensional Cell Culture of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Hydrogel with Photobiomodulation Augmentation
Published on: April 5, 2024
Adipose tissue engineering using adipose-derived stem cells enclosed within an injectable
Yuko Ogushi1, Shinji Sakai, Koei Kawakami
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
|April 11, 2012
Summary
This study shows that a carboxymethylcellulose derivative (CMC-Ph) can form gels in situ with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for tissue engineering. The engineered tissue demonstrated successful vascularization and adipose tissue formation in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Adipose tissue engineering requires biocompatible scaffolds that support cell viability and promote tissue regeneration.
- In situ gelation offers advantages for minimally invasive delivery of cell-laden biomaterials.
- Carboxymethylcellulose derivatives with phenolic groups (CMC-Ph) are being explored for their potential in hydrogel formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using CMC-Ph hydrogels for adipose tissue engineering.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo performance of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) encapsulated within CMC-Ph gels.
- To investigate the potential of incorporating growth factors to enhance tissue formation.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of CMC-Ph aqueous solutions containing rat ASCs.
- In situ gelation of CMC-Ph/ASCs using a horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed reaction.
- In vitro assessment of ASC viability, proliferation, and adipogenic differentiation.
- Subcutaneous implantation of CMC-Ph/ASCs in rats and evaluation of tissue formation, vascularization, and adipogenesis over 10 weeks.
- Assessment of enhanced adipogenesis and neovascularization with fibroblast growth factor incorporation.
Main Results:
- CMC-Ph gels successfully encapsulated ASCs with high initial viability (92.8%).
- Encapsulated ASCs exhibited good proliferation and adipogenic differentiation in vitro.
- In vivo studies showed significant formation of vascularized adipose tissue at the injection site.
- Blood vessel density and adipose tissue area were substantially increased compared to acellular gels.
- Fibroblast growth factor incorporation further enhanced adipogenesis and neovascularization.
Conclusions:
- CMC-Ph hydrogels are a promising biomaterial for in situ adipose tissue engineering.
- The developed system supports ASC survival, differentiation, and promotes robust tissue regeneration, including vascularization.
- Growth factor supplementation can further improve the regenerative capacity of this adipose tissue engineering strategy.

