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Review
. 2021 Nov 26;13(11):1733-1746.
doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i11.1733.

Nanofat: A therapeutic paradigm in regenerative medicine

Affiliations
Review

Nanofat: A therapeutic paradigm in regenerative medicine

Madhan Jeyaraman et al. World J Stem Cells. .

Abstract

Adipose tissue is a compact and well-organized tissue containing a heterogeneous cellular population of progenitor cells, including mesenchymal stromal cells. Due to its availability and accessibility, adipose tissue is considered a "stem cell depot." Adipose tissue products possess anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. Nanofat, being a compact bundle of stem cells with regenerative and tissue remodeling potential, has potential in translational and regenerative medicine. Considering the wide range of applicability of its reconstructive and regenerative potential, the applications of nanofat can be used in various disciplines. Nanofat behaves on the line of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. At the site of injury, these stromal cells initiate a site-specific reparative response comprised of remodeling of the extracellular matrix, enhanced and sustained angiogenesis, and immune system modulation. These properties of stromal cells provide a platform for the usage of regenerative medicine principles in curbing various diseases. Details about nanofat, including various preparation methods, characterization, delivery methods, evidence on practical applications, and ethical concerns are included in this review. However, appropriate guidelines and preparation protocols for its optimal use in a wide range of clinical applications have yet to be standardized.

Keywords: Adipose stem cells; Adipose tissue; Nanofat; Regenerative medicine; Stem cells.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Organisational structure of adipose tissue. MSCs: Mesenchymal stem cells.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Molecular composition of nanofat. VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF: Platelet-derived growth factor; HGF: Hepatocyte growth factor; TGF-β: Transforming growth factor-beta; bFGF: Basic fibroblast growth factor; IGF-1: Insulin-like growth factor-1; GM-CSF: Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic representation of nanofat preparation.

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