Overcoming functional challenges in autologous and engineered fat grafting trends

Abstract

Autologous fat grafting offers significant promise for the repair of soft tissue deformities; however, high resorption rates indicate that engineered solutions are required to improve adipose tissue (AT) survival. Advances in material development and biofabrication have laid the foundation for the generation of functional AT constructs; however, a balance needs to be struck between clinically feasible delivery and improved structural integrity of the grafts. A new approach combining the objectives from both the clinical and research communities will assist in developing morphologically and genetically mature AT constructs, with controlled spatial arrangement and increased potential for neovascularization. In a rapidly progressing field, this review addresses research in both the preclinical and bioengineering domains and assesses their ability to resolve functional challenges.

Keywords: adipose tissue; autologous fat grafting; breast reconstruction; contour deformities; lipoaspirate; soft tissue regeneration.