Adipose-derived mechanically processed tissue in orthopedics: A call for a standard classification system

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Adipose-derived cellular therapies (AD-CTs) are widely used in orthopedics but lack standardized classification.
• Existing AD-CT products, including stromal vascular fraction and adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs), are inconsistently defined and characterized.
• Mechanically processed adipose tissue (AD-MPT) presents unique characterization challenges due to its intact extracellular matrix.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel classification system for standardizing the reporting of AD-MPT harvesting and processing.
• To establish a structured approach to nomenclature and reporting for AD-MPTs.
• To enhance comparability and reproducibility of studies involving AD-based therapies.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Mechanical Processing (Harvesting) of Adipose Tissue (MPHAT) classification system.
• Focus on standardizing the reporting of harvesting and processing techniques for AD-MPTs.
• Providing a structured nomenclature for AD-MPT products.

Main Results:

• The MPHAT system offers a novel framework for classifying AD-MPTs.
• It addresses the need for standardized reporting of harvesting and processing methods.
• The system facilitates objective characterization of AD-MPTs, overcoming challenges posed by intact extracellular matrix.

Conclusions:

• The proposed classification system is essential for standardizing AD-MPT reporting in musculoskeletal medicine.
• Implementation of this framework will improve study comparability and research replication.
• This standardization supports the responsible advancement of adipose-based regenerative therapies.