Fat harvesting protocol for enhanced stem cell viability - pilot study
Ruan Pimenta1, Vanessa Ribeiro Guimarães1, Samirah Abreu Gomes2
1Laboratory of Medical Research, Department of Urology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|April 24, 2026
Summary
Optimizing fat harvesting for adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) involves using saline solution for washing and specific anesthetic protocols. This method preserves ASC viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) are crucial for regenerative medicine, obtained from adipose tissue.
- Existing fat harvesting protocols lack conclusive data on cell viability and function.
- Standardized protocols are needed to optimize ASC yield and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate different fat harvesting protocols for optimal adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) viability.
- To identify the most effective washing solutions and anesthetic drug combinations.
- To assess the impact of fat processing on ASC differentiation and proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Lipoaspirate samples were obtained from three healthy women.
- Washing solutions, anesthetic drugs, and fat fractioning processes were analyzed for cytotoxicity and impact on cell viability.
- Cell differentiation (adipogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis) and proliferation were tested using optimized protocols.
Main Results:
- 0.9% saline solution demonstrated minimal cell death during the washing process.
- Lidocaine, ropivacaine, and epinephrine showed comparable cell death rates; sodium bicarbonate enhanced proliferation.
- Fat fractioning up to 20 passages did not affect ASC viability, preserving differentiation and proliferation capacity.
Conclusions:
- 0.9% saline solution and specific anesthetic protocols support ASC viability and function.
- The study provides preliminary in vitro evidence for improved fat harvesting techniques.
- Optimized protocols can enhance the utility of ASC in future research and clinical applications.
