The LipoDerm Method for Regeneration and Reconstruction in Plastic Surgery: A Technical Experimental Ex Vivo Note

Abstract

The combination of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and dermal scaffolds has been shown to be an approach with high potential in soft tissue reconstruction. The addition of dermal templates to skin grafts can increase graft survival through angiogenesis, improve regeneration and healing time, and enhance the overall appearance. However, it remains unknown whether the addition of nanofat-containing ASCs to this construct could effectively facilitate the creation of a multi-layer biological regenerative graft, which could possibly be used for soft tissue reconstruction in the future in a single operation. Initially, microfat was harvested using Coleman's technique, then isolated through the strict protocol using Tonnard's technique. Finally, centrifugation, emulsification, and filtration were conducted to seed the filtered nanofat-containing ASCs onto Matriderm for sterile ex vivo cellular enrichment. After seeding, a resazurin-based reagent was added, and the construct was visualized using two-photon microscopy. Within 1 h of incubation, viable ASCs were detected and attached to the top layer of the scaffold. This experimental ex vivo note opens more dimensions and horizons towards the combination of ASCs and collagen-elastin matrices (i.e., dermal scaffolds) as an effective approach in soft tissue regeneration. The proposed multi-layered structure containing nanofat and dermal template (Lipoderm) may be used, in the future, as a biological regenerative graft for wound defect reconstruction and regeneration in a single operation and can also be combined with skin grafts. Such protocols may optimize the skin graft results by creating a multi-layer soft tissue reconstruction template, leading to more optimal regeneration and aesthetic outcomes.

Keywords: adipose-derived stem cells; dermal scaffolds; fat grafting; lipoaspirate; nanofat; soft tissue defects; tissue engineering.

Figure 1

Purified lipoaspirate transferred into a sterile tube following removal of cell debris and blood.

Figure 2

Application of ASCs onto collagen–elastin matrices.

Figure 3

(a,b): Two-photon microscopy image of a collagen–elastin matrix incubated with freshly isolated ASCs after 1 h. The cytoplasm of viable cells (represented in green) was stained using fluorescein diacetate. The cell nuclei (represented in blue) were stained using Hoechst 33,342. Finally, the red color represents the collagen–elastin matrix (100 μm scale).