Cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) is an advanced lipoinjection method that uses autologous lipotransfer with addition of a stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing adipose-derived stromal stem cells (ASCs). The CAL procedure of manual isolation of cells from fat requires cell processing to be performed in clean environment. To isolate cells from fat without the need for a cell processing center, such as in a procedure in an operation theater, we developed a novel method for processing SVF using a closed cell washing concentration device (CCD) with a hollow fiber membrane module. The CCD consists of a sterilized closed circuit, bags and hollow fiber, semi-automatic device and the device allows removal of >99.97% of collagenase from SVF while maintaining sterility. The number of nucleated cells, ASCs and viability in SVF processed by this method were equivalent to those in SVF processed using conventional manual isolation. Our results suggest that the CCD system is as reliable as manual isolation and may also be useful for CAL. This approach will help in the development of regenerative medicine at clinics without a cell processing center.
Keywords: Adipose-derived stromal stem cells; Cell-assisted lipotransfer; Closed cell washing concentration device; Hollow fiber membrane module; Stromal vascular fraction.