Viability of harvesting stem cells from adipose tissue using an ultrasonically assisted method

Laboratory investigations have been conducted to assess the viability of Adipose Derived stem and Regenerative Cells (ADRCs) and adipocytes harvested using a third generation (VASER^®) Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction system. Methods: Lipoaspirate samples were collected from consented patients undergoing elective liposuction procedures. The VASER system was set at 60-70% amplitude in the pulsed mode; the aspiration system was set for a vacuum level of 15 inHg or less. Laboratory analysis included measurement of free lipid volume; lipolysis assay to determine the health (quality) of the aspirated adipose tissue; analysis of ADRCs released from adipose tissue for number and viability; CFU-F assay to evaluate adherent cell population of ADRCs; and flow cytometery and cytological analysis, including cell surface protein examination and H&E staining. Results: The lipolysis assay found the adipocytes to be metabolically active and possessing a mean correlative viability of 85.1±11%; ADRC viability was 87.4±4.5%. Further evaluation demonstrated that ADRCs were composed of different stromal vascular and hematopoietic subpopulations proportionate to cells obtained from syringe acquired tissue. Conclusions: Collectively these data indicate that adipose tissue acquired using VASER methodology is viable at harvest and suitable as a source of Adipose Derived stem and Regenerative Cells (ADRCs) and fat grafting material.