LAUSR

Background Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) has been used to maximize viable adipocyte yields in lipoaspirates, although optimizing tissue processing methods is still a challenge. A high-quality lipoaspirate has been a key factor for extended graft longevity. Objective To assess the viability and potency of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in fat samples from lipoaspirates harvested with a novel 1470-nm diode, radial emitting LAL platform. Two processing methods, enzymatic and nonenzymatic, were compared. Methods Laser-assisted liposuction lipoaspirates harvested from 10 subjects were examined for cell viability after processing by enzymatic or nonenzymatic methods. Isolated SVF cells were cultured with an ASC-permissive medium to assess their viability and proliferation capacity by cell proliferation assay. Flow cytometric analysis with ASC-specific markers, gene expression levels, and immunofluorescence for ASC transcription factors were also conducted. Results Lipoaspirates showed high SVF cell viability of 97% ± 0.02% and 98% ± 0.01%, averaged SVF cell count of 8.7 × 106 ± 3.9 × 106 and 9.4 × 106 ± 4.2 × 106 cells per mL, and averaged ASC count of 1 × 106 ± 2.2 × 105 and 1.2 × 106 ± 5 × 105 cells per mL in nonenzymatic and enzymatic methods, respectively. The ASC-specific markers, gene expression levels, and immunofluorescence for ASC transcription factors confirmed the adipose origin of the cells. Conclusions The laser lipoaspirates provide a high yield of viable and potent SVF cells and ASCs through both nonenzymatic and enzymatic processes. Improved purity of the harvested lipoaspirate and high ASC content are expected to result in extended graft longevity. Furthermore, eliminating enzymatic digestion may provide advantages, such as reducing process time, cost, and regulatory constraints.