Volume-stable adipose tissue formation by implantation of human adipose-derived stromal cells using solid free-form fabrication-based polymer scaffolds

Regeneration of volume-stable adipose tissue is required for treatment of soft-tissue loss due to cancer, trauma, burns and for correctional cosmetic surgery. In this study, we hypothesized that transplantation of human adipose-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) using polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds fabricated with a solid free-form fabrication method would better maintain the volume of regenerated adipose tissues, as compared with the use of fibrin gel. Six weeks after implantation into the dorsal subcutaneous pockets of athymic mice, the volumes and adipose tissue areas of hADSC-PCL scaffold implants were significantly larger than those of hADSC-fibrin implants. In addition, the mRNA expression of adipogenic genes was more extensive in the hADSC-PCL scaffold implants.