Abstract
Over the last decades, there has been ongoing and evolving research concerning regenerative medicine, specifically, stem cells. The most common source of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains the adipose tissue and the easiest way to obtain such tissue is lipoaspirate. The fatty tissue obtained can be processed either in an enzymatic way, which is time-consuming and expensive and carries several dangers for the viability of the stem cells included, or with mechanical means which are fast, inexpensive, yield enough viable cells, and can be readily used for autologous transplantation in one-stage procedures. Herein, we demonstrate our non-enzymatic method for obtaining adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction comprising MSCs. The stromal vascular fraction was isolated via centrifugation, and the characteristics and numbers of the cells isolated have been tested with flow cytometry assay, cell culture, and differentiation. Over 91% of viable MSCs were isolated using the mechanical method. The cells retained the ability to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. The method presented is simple, requiring no special equipment, and yields a viable population of stem cells in large numbers. These cells can be readily used in several operations (orthopedic, dentistry, fistulas, etc.) making feasible "one-stage" procedures, thus proving their benefits for the patient and the health care system.