Significant fat loss is common in silicon implantation with autologous lipofilling, the most popular type of breast surgery. To overcome this, a 3D-printed fat carrier with well-defined 200 μm radial string and spoke structure was developed, followed by an electrospun nanofiber coating on the entire device surface to promote fat adhesion. This device enhanced the mechanical properties comparably to commercial acellular dermal matrix for in vitro adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells, implantation compatibility without foreign body responses, and maintenance of healthy lipid droplet structures. These results show the promising potential of this device to facilitate surface-guided lipogenesis in composite breast reconstruction surgery.
Keywords: 3D printing; autologous fat carrier; breast reconstruction surgery; lipogenesis; poly(caprolactone).