3D collagen nanofiber scaffold with adipose derived stem cells for functional adipose tissue regeneration

Adipose tissue engineering offers a promising approach for breast reconstruction, yet achieving efficient adipose regeneration remains challenging due to poor cell survival and tissue integration. Hence, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) electrospun collagen nanofiber scaffold integrated with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), designed to enhance adipose tissue regeneration by providing a biomimetic extracellular matrix environment. The incorporation of collagen nanofibers enhances cell adhesion and extracellular matrix remodeling, further promoting adipogenic differentiation. Compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture, ADSCs seeded on the scaffold exhibit significantly improved viability and lipid accumulation. In vivo implantation in a rat model demonstrated that the COL-ADSCs composite scaffold increased subcutaneous fat thickness from 2.69 ± 0.10 mm to 3.37 ± 0.11 mm over four weeks, while also promoting collagen remodeling and angiogenesis, as confirmed by CD31-positive staining. Despite these promising outcomes, this study is limited to a small animal model, and further validation in large animal models and clinical settings is necessary. These findings indicate that the COL-ADSCs composite scaffold provides a biomimetic microenvironment that supports ADSC adhesion, differentiation, and tissue remodeling, highlighting its potential as a clinically applicable biomaterial for breast reconstruction.