Isolation and characterization of human adipose-derived stem cells for use in tissue engineering

Human adipose-derived adult stem cells (ASCs) represent a unique population of multipotent stem cells. Their utility in a variety of tissue engineering applications, and as a model system for the study of molecular mechanisms of differentiation, is well established. In addition, their relative abundance, ease of isolation from human subcutaneous lipoaspirates, and functional stability make them an excellent physiologically relevant platform. Here, we describe detailed procedures for handling and purification of ASCs from lipoaspirate, as well as their expansion, cryopreservation, quality control, and functional assays.