Isolation of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells from Lipoaspirates

Adipose tissue is an abundant and accessible source of stem cells with multipotent properties suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medical applications. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) have been widely used in tissue engineering and cell therapy. In addition, the clinical application of ASCs in the treatment of inflammation and injury has been proven a success. Here, we describe methods from our own laboratory and the literature for the isolation and expansion of Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs). We present a large-scale procedure suitable for processing >100 mL volumes of lipoaspirate tissue specimens by collagenase digestion, a related procedure suitable for processing adipose tissue aspirates without digestion, and a procedure suitable for intact human adipose tissue, such as buccal fat pads in the maxillofacial region.