Regrowing Fat: A New Approach with Stem Cells and Biodegradable Implants

Scientists are testing an innovative way to regenerate fat tissue using a biodegradable implant and stem cells. The implant, made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) mesh and a collagen sponge (CS), is seeded with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) known for their impressive ability to multiply and transform into different types of cells. In this study, the implants were inserted into rats' thighs, with some containing a high number of ASCs (H-ASC) and others a lower number (L-ASC), while some had none at all (controls). After 3 months, the H-ASC group showed a significant increase in the weight and volume of new tissue.More importantly, at 6 and 12 months, the area of new tissue, including fat, was larger, with the highest fat percentage in the H-ASC group. The ASCs stayed alive on the CS scaffolds for up to 12 months and spontaneously turned into fat cells, especially in the H-ASC group. This research shows promise for regenerating fat tissue using these implants and stem cells, with the amount of fat produced depending on the number of ASCs used.