Refining adipose-derived stem cell isolation for optimal regenerative therapy

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of optimizing the techniques used for isolating stromal vascular fraction cells from adipose tissue. Furthermore, by presenting key findings from the literature, it clarifies the effects of refined techniques on regenerative medicine and advocates for ongoing research and innovation to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Core Tip: This article underscores the importance of improving stromal vascular fraction isolation from adipose-derived stem cells. By examining the advancements detailed in the referenced paper, it advocates for improving outcomes in regenerative medicine. The article emphasizes the necessity of refining techniques and continuing research to optimize clinical applications and achieve superior therapeutic results. This focus on ongoing innovation is crucial for the advancement of regenerative medicine and its potential to transform patient care.

TO THE EDITOR

This article presents insights from a minireview by Jeyaraman et al[1], who explored the isolation of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells from adipose tissue and their applications. The reviewers comprehensively analyzed current SVF isolation techniques and their implications for regenerative medicine and emphasized the need for precise optimization to enhance therapeutic outcomes[1]. Recent studies have highlighted the complexity and importance of SVF-based regenerative therapy. For example, Liu et al[2] demonstrated that different tissue sources and culture methods for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentially affect the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs), influencing their angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. This finding underscores the need for standardized protocols to ensure consistency and efficacy of SVF-based therapies[2]. Carr et al[3] elucidated the role of SVF by examining the secretomes of processed adipose grafts and SVF cells. The researchers revealed that certain SVF components strongly influence therapeutic outcomes, emphasizing the need for understanding molecular differences among SVF components[3]. Mundluru et al[4] explored advancements in nonenzymatic techniques for SVF isolation and indicated that further improvements in SVF yield and quality are needed to optimize SVF-based regenerative therapy. Qin et al[5] introduced a new protocol for isolating SVF by using clinical-grade materials, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice. EVs derived from adipose-derived MSCs have various applications. For example, EVs can modulate cellular responses and promote wound healing, which highlights their potential in treating diabetic wounds and other conditions[6,7]. This finding has been corroborated by Soltani et al[8], who reviewed the efficacy of EVs in accelerating tissue regeneration. Badr et al[9] and Romano et al[10] have proposed expanding the clinical applications of SVF and adipose-derived MSCs to prevent skin aging and promote neural differentiation. The present editorial underscores the importance of continual innovation and rigorous research in the field of SVF. With technical advancements, leveraging these improvements is crucial for maximizing SVF’s clinical potential and improving therapeutic outcomes.

ADVANCEMENTS IN SVF ISOLATION TECHNIQUES

In their minireview, Jeyaraman et al[1] assessed the evolution of techniques for isolating SVF from adipose tissue, focusing on both traditional and emerging techniques. Traditional methods, such as mechanical disruption followed by enzymatic digestion, have proven effective but often lead to variations in yield and cell viability. Recent advancements have improved technical precision and efficiency, which are crucial for maximizing the therapeutic potential of SVF in regenerative medicine. Studies have reported considerable progress in research on SVF isolation techniques (Table 1). For instance, a new protocol involving the use of clinical-grade reagents has been developed to enhance yield consistency and cell viability, thereby addressing problems pertaining to variability in enzyme activity and cell damage[5]. Goulas et al[11] highlighted improvements in mechanical methods that reduce the need for harsh enzymatic treatments, thereby preserving cell integrity. These findings align with those of Mundluru et al[4], who reviewed nonenzymatic techniques and their potential for consistent SVF isolation with minimal cell damage. Evidence suggests the need for standardized protocols to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of SVF isolation techniques. Liu et al[2] demonstrated that tissue sources and cell culture methods influence the composition of EVs, thereby affecting their therapeutic efficacy. Carr et al[3] noted the differences in secretome profiles among processed adipose grafts, SVF components, and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and suggested that different secretome profiles differentially influence the functional capacities (e.g., angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties) of these adipose tissue components. These findings jointly underscore the importance of refining SVF isolation techniques to enhance cell quality and functionality. Automated closed systems for SVF isolation have garnered considerable scientific and clinical interest because of their ability to improve standardization and minimize contamination. Unlike traditional methods, which involve multiple manual steps and are prone to microbial contamination, automated systems operate within a closed environment, which markedly reduces contamination risks and ensures adherence to clinical-grade standards[4,5]. In addition, these systems offer enhanced efficiency and scalability, processing large volumes of adipose tissue more rapidly than do manual methods and fulfilling the regulatory requirements for good manufacturing practices[12,13]. This consistency is crucial for application in clinical settings, where technical reliability and reproducibility are essential. In summary, although traditional SVF isolation techniques have laid the groundwork for current practices, recent advancements offer substantial improvements in SVF yield, cell viability, and technical reproducibility. The development of standardized protocols and advanced techniques, such as automated closed systems, is essential for optimizing and expanding SVF’s clinical applications. With ongoing research and evolution, the aforementioned advancements would enhance the efficacy and safety of SVF-based therapies.

Table 1.

Various stromal vascular fraction isolation techniques and their effects on adipose-derived stem cell viability and functionality

Isolation techniques	Key features	ADSC viability	ADSC functionality	Ref.
Enzymatic digestion (collagenase)	Commonly used method; effectively degrades extracellular matrix components	High initial viability; slight decrease in viability over time because of enzymatic exposure	Promotes adipogenesis and angiogenesis; weakens ADSCs’ immunomodulatory properties through enzymatic exposure	Jeyaraman et al[1], 2024; Garroni et al[13], 2024; Ruoss et al[14], 2024
Nonenzymatic mechanical disruption	Utilizes physical methods such as centrifugation and filtration; avoids chemical agents	Generally lower initial viability than that achieved with enzymatic methods; weak effects on long-term cell viability	Maintains multipotency with fewer alterations in the secretome profile; improves preservation of native ADSC functions	Mundluru et al[4], 2024; Goulas et al[11], 2024; Tareen et al[15], 2024
Centrifugation-based methods	Separates SVF on the basis of density; often combined with other techniques for enhanced purity	Moderate to high viability; dependent on centrifugation parameters, such as speed and duration	Retains adipogenic and osteogenic potential; weakens immunomodulatory properties through mechanical stress	Jeyaraman et al[1], 2024; Qin et al[5], 2024; Souza et al[6], 2024
Microfluidic channel–based isolation	Advanced method utilizing microfluidic channels for precise cell sorting; minimal physical and chemical stress	High viability because of minimal manipulation; enhanced precision in the isolation of ADSCs from SVF	Preserves a wide range of cellular functions, such as differentiation potential and cytokine secretion	Liu et al[2], 2024; Carr et al[3], 2024; Li et al[12], 2024
Automated closed systems	Fully automated systems with closed environments to reduce contamination; often used in clinical settings	High viability with reduced contamination risks; consistent and reproducible outcomes	Maintains functional properties, as do traditional methods; improves safety for greater clinical applicability	Soltani et al[8], 2024; Ruoss et al[14], 2024; Mohseni Meybodi et al[16], 2024
Hybrid techniques (enzymatic + mechanical)	Combination of enzymatic and mechanical methods to enhance yield and viability	High viability because of the balance between enzymatic efficiency and mechanical preservation of cell integrity	Enhances functional outcomes - for example, by improving differentiation and paracrine effects; allows for tailored applications	Jeyaraman et al[1], 2024; Qin et al[5], 2024; Garroni et al[13], 2024

This table presents information on various stromal vascular fraction isolation techniques and their effects on adipose-derived stem cell viability and functionality. It summarizes the key features of individual techniques, indicating how they influence adipose-derived stem cells’ initial and long-term viability and functional capacities, such as differentiation potential, cytokine secretion, and immunomodulatory properties. References are provided to support the findings. ADSC: Adipose-derived stem cell; SVF: Stromal vascular fraction.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF REFINED TECHNIQUES

Advancements in SVF isolation techniques have profound clinical implications that extend well beyond the laboratory. Recent evidence suggests that refined SVF isolation techniques can markedly enhance the quality of SVF, thereby improving its regenerative properties and optimizing SVF-based therapies for various medical conditions (Table 2). Jeyaraman et al[1] emphasized the importance of these advancements for personalized medicine; higher levels of SVF purity and viability lead to better therapeutic outcomes and patient-specific responses. Refined SVF isolation techniques also enhance the consistency and reproducibility of therapeutic outcomes. Liu et al[2] demonstrated that tissue sources and culture methods affect the composition and regenerative capacity of EVs, underscoring the need for standardized protocols for optimal therapeutic efficacy[2]. Compared with traditional enzymatic techniques for SVF isolation, nonenzymatic techniques are safe because they preserve cell integrity and enhance functionality[4]. Souza et al[6] demonstrated that refined isolation techniques lead to improved clinical outcomes and enhance those cellular behaviors that are essential for achieving therapeutic objectives. Incorporating refined SVF isolation techniques into clinical practice can maximize therapeutic benefits. For instance, Carr et al[3] clarified how different SVF secretomes can be used to personalize treatment regimens. Qin et al[5] emphasized the potential of clinical-grade protocols to enhance the consistency and reliability of SVF-based therapies. Furthermore, refined techniques hold promise for treating specific conditions. In the treatment of osteoarthritis, SVF’s abundant MSCs, growth factors, and EVs ensure not only symptom relief but also cartilage repair and regeneration. Liu et al[2] suggested that optimizing MSC isolation through refined techniques can improve clinical outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis, delaying or preventing joint replacement surgery[2]. Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, present major clinical challenges. Souza et al[6] demonstrated that SVF can modulate inflammation, promote angiogenesis, and enhance tissue repair; the researchers further revealed that SVF-derived EVs influence key aspects of wound healing. Refined SVF isolation techniques ensure the retention of regenerative components, thus improving the therapeutic efficacy and reliability of SVF in chronic wound management. In cardiovascular medicine, SVF’s potential for regenerating damaged cardiac tissue is particularly compelling. SVF contains endothelial progenitor cells, which are essential for tissue repair and neovascularization. Carr et al[3] stated that optimizing SVF secretomes may enhance repair after myocardial infarction and reduce heart failure progression. Nonenzymatic techniques have been demonstrated to improve the safety and efficacy of SVF-based cardiovascular therapies by preserving cell functionality[4]. Overall, refined SVF isolation techniques have a wide range of clinical implications, offering improved therapeutic outcomes across conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic wounds, and cardiovascular diseases. The aforementioned advancements in SVF isolation techniques represent a crucial step toward bringing SVF-based therapies from the lab to the clinic. Continual advancement and protocol standardization are essential for realizing SVF’s full potential in regenerative medicine.

Table 2.

Effects of mesenchymal stem cell source and processing protocols on extracellular vesicle composition and therapeutic efficacy

Variables	Description	Ref.
MSC source	Different tissues (adipose, bone marrow, umbilical cord) produce EVs with different profiles. ADMSCs contain elevated levels of proregenerative factors, such as miRNAs that promote angiogenesis and modulate immune responses	Liu et al[2], 2024; Souza et al[6], 2024
Processing protocols	Culture conditions and EV isolation techniques influence EV content and function. Suspension cultures improve EV yield and functionality. Hypoxic preconditioning enhances EVs with tissue repair and immunomodulatory factors	Jeyaraman et al[1], 2024; Suryawan et al[17], 2021
Therapeutic efficacy	Therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs is associated with their specific compositional profiles. ADMSC-derived EVs are particularly effective in promoting wound healing and modulating immune responses because of their distinct miRNA and protein contents	Soltani et al[8], 2024; Symonds et al[18], 2023
Challenges and considerations	Variability in EV composition necessitates careful MSC source selection and standardized processing protocols to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Standardization is essential for producing EVs with consistent therapeutic properties	Liu et al[2], 2024; Carr et al[3], 2024

This table summarizes the effects of different mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sources and processing techniques on the composition and functionality of extracellular vesicle (EVs). MSCs derived from various tissues, particularly adipose tissue, yield EVs with distinct profiles. These EVs are enriched in proregenerative factors such as specific microRNAs. The methods used for cell culture and EV isolation strongly influence the yield, content, and therapeutic efficacy of EVs. For instance, suspension cultures and hypoxic preconditioning enhance the functionality of EVs. The therapeutic potential of EVs is closely associated with their compositional profiles. Therefore, selecting appropriate MSC sources and standardizing processing protocols are crucial for achieving consistent and optimal therapeutic outcomes. ADMSC: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell; EV: Extracellular vesicle; miRNA: MicroRNA; MSC: Mesenchymal stem cell.

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Despite advancements in SVF isolation techniques, several challenges persist; these challenges must be addressed to expand SVF’s application in regenerative medicine (Table 3). Key problems in this context include scalability, automation, regulatory compliance, and protocol standardization. To improve scalability, automated systems for SVF isolation can be used to enhance consistency, reduce labor costs, and increase throughput, thereby increasing the accessibility of SVF-based therapies[1]. The application of laboratory findings to clinical practice necessitates the fulfillment of stringent regulatory requirements to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. Qin et al[5] unveiled the challenges associated with adopting new clinical-grade protocols and emphasized the need for rigorous validation to meet regulatory standards. Collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies is essential to streamline approval processes and ensure that new techniques are safe and effective[5]. Tissue sources and processing conditions strongly influence the composition and functionality of SVF-derived EVs, affecting their therapeutic potential. Liu et al[2] recommended standardizing protocols to ensure the reproducibility and efficacy of SVF-based therapies. Understanding the variability in SVF components is crucial for optimizing therapies. Carr et al[3] and Souza et al[6] demonstrated that between-component differences in cellular response and secretome profile influence therapeutic outcomes. Thus, treatment personalization requires SVF components to be comprehensively profiled and subject to functional analysis. Nonenzymatic techniques optimize SVF isolation by preserving cell integrity and functionality. Mundluru et al[4] reviewed these techniques and highlighted their potential to improve the efficacy of SVF-based therapies. Continual research into nonenzymatic techniques and their clinical applicability is needed to optimize SVF-based therapies[4]. In summary, addressing challenges related to scalability, regulatory compliance, standardization, and characterization through ongoing research and collaboration is essential for successful integration of SVF-based therapies into clinical practice. By focusing on these areas, clinical researchers can overcome current barriers and fully realize the potential of SVF in regenerative medicine.

Table 3.

Recent advances in adipose-derived stem cell applications: Preconditioning techniques, clinical outcomes, and future directions

Preconditioning techniques	Clinical outcomes	Future directions	Ref.
Pharmacological agent use	Increased regenerative capacity; improved immunomodulation	Exploration of novel agents and standardization of therapeutic dosages	Jeyaraman et al[1], 2024; Liu et al[2], 2024
Hypoxic preconditioning	Enhanced ADSC survival; improved wound healing	Further investigation for optimizing hypoxia duration and conditions	Suryawan et al[17], 2021
Mechanical stimulation	Enhanced tissue regeneration; increased cell viability	Development of standardized protocols for mechanical stimulation	Carr et al[3], 2024; Goulas et al[11], 2024
EV modulation	Modulated macrophage polarization; improved anti-inflammatory effects	Investigation of EV content manipulation to optimize therapeutic effects	Souza et al[6], 2024; Symonds et al[18], 2023
Chemical preconditioning	Improved angiogenic capacity; accelerated tissue repair	Identification of optimal chemical agents and concentrations	Qin et al[5], 2024; Li et al[12], 2024
Cytokine preconditioning	Enhanced immunomodulatory properties; reduced inflammation	Further exploration of cytokine combinations for targeted therapies	Yin and Shen[7], 2024; Yang et al[19], 2024

Recent advances in adipose-derived stem cell preconditioning techniques highlight the efficacy of various methods in enhancing clinical outcomes. These techniques include hypoxic preconditioning, pharmacological agent use, mechanical stimulation, extracellular vesicle modulation, chemical preconditioning, and cytokine preconditioning. This table presents findings from recent studies, underscoring improvements in adipose-derived stem cell survival, tissue regeneration, and immunomodulation. In the future, these techniques must be optimized to maximize therapeutic efficacy. ADSC: Adipose-derived stem cell; EV: Extracellular vesicle.

CONCLUSION

SVF isolation techniques must be refined further and standardized to maximize the therapeutic potential of ADSCs in regenerative medicine, as emphasized by Jeyaraman et al[1]. The sources of and processing protocols for MSCs strongly influence their functionality, including EV composition and therapeutic efficacy[2,3]. Findings on the differences in secretome profiles among processed adipose grafts, SVF components, and ADSCs can elucidate the clinical implications of these differences[3]. The choice of isolation techniques, such as nonenzymatic techniques, influences the viability and regenerative capacity of cells[4,5]. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested that optimizing EV-based therapies and exploring preconditioning techniques can help enhance the regenerative capacity of EVs in challenging scenarios such as diabetic wounds and peripheral nerve regeneration[8,12]. Nonetheless, challenges persist. Variability in isolation techniques as well as the lack of standardized protocols and advanced molecular analyses must be addressed to ensure consistent, high-quality clinical applications[1,13]. These problems should be addressed through continual innovation, collaborative research, and rigorous clinical testing to ensure the clinical usefulness of advances in SVF research. By overcoming the aforementioned challenges, clinical researchers can optimize regenerative medicine and develop reliable therapies for various medical conditions (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Effects of various mesenchymal stem cell sources and processing protocols on extracellular vesicle composition and therapeutic efficacy. This figure presents key factors that influence the composition and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicle (EVs), clarifying how MSCs from different tissue sources (e.g., adipose, bone marrow, and umbilical cord) produce EVs with different molecular profiles. It also depicts the effects of various processing protocols, such as culture conditions (e.g., suspension cultures and hypoxic preconditioning) and isolation techniques, on the yield and functionality of EVs. Furthermore, the figure underscores the importance of selecting appropriate MSC sources and standardizing processing protocols to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of EVs in regenerative medicine. EV: Extracellular vesicle; MSC: Mesenchymal stem cell; miRNAs: MicroRNAs.