© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 131
P.V. Pham (ed.), Stem Cell Processing, Stem Cells in Clinical Applications,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-40073-0_7
Chapter 7
Isolation and Characterization of Adipose-
Derived Stromal Cells
Fiona A. van Vollenstee, Carla Dessels, Karlien Kallmeyer,
Danielle de Villiers, Marnie Potgieter, Chrisna Durandt,
and Michael S. Pepper
7.1 Introduction
A stem cell is defined by its ability to self-renew and to differentiate along multiple
lineage pathways. Stem cells have the potential to develop into different cell types in
the body during their lifespan. Even after long periods of quiescence, stem cells retain
the ability to divide, and the two daughter cells have the potential to either remain a
stem cell within the stem cell niche or to develop into a more specialized cell with
specific functions. Stem cells can broadly be classified into two categories, namely
adult stem cells and pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells include embryonic
and induced pluripotent stem cells and will not be discussed further in this chapter.
Adult stem cells are further subdivided into two categories, namely, haematopoietic
stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The latter contains a
small population of stem cells. MSCs are present in most tissues in the body and are
required to restore normal tissue function via repair and regeneration mechanisms
(Jones et al. 2002 ). The bone marrow, Wharton’s jelly present in the umbilical cord
and adipose tissue are the most common sources used to isolate MSCs.
The clinical translation of MSC research remains a major challenge. Research
groups around the world are working on various strategies to apply MSCs in a vari-
ety of settings. There is currently a need for consensus in standardization regarding
isolation and expansion procedures, characterization of the cells, evaluation of mul-
tipotency, including tissue lineage induction, the best route of administration and
monitoring of engraftment success.
F.A. van Vollenstee • C. Dessels • K. Kallmeyer • D. de Villiers • M. Potgieter • C. Durandt
M.S. Pepper (*)
Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Medicine and SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy,
University of Pretoria, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria, South Africa
e-mail: [email protected]