215proteins (Amos et al. 2008 ). Thus they demonstrated that the technique of ASC
extraction (liposuction versus lipectomy) impacts on the adhesion potential of these
cells to proteins in the extracellular matrix and the proteins expressed by activated
vascular endothelium, as well as their response to hypoxic culture. ASCs were able
to fi rmly adhere to type I collagen, fi bronectin, vascular adhesion molecule-1
(VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) substrates but not to
any of the selectins ( P -selectin, E -selectin, L -selectin). With hypoxia pretreatment,
ASCs extracted by liposuction showed an increased ability to adhere to VCAM-1
and ICAM-1, whereas ASCs extracted by lipectomy did not (Amos et al. 2008 ).
They also showed that prolonged (>48 h) exposure to hypoxic conditions enhances
the secretory, differentiation, and proliferative capacity of ASCs, in addition to their
ability to fi rmly adhere, making this a viable approach for cell activation prior to
therapeutic delivery. In clinical practice, adipose tissue-harvesting techniques could
have an effect on the homing mechanisms of ASCs, by aiding in the mobilization
and traffi cking of both tissue-resident and therapeutically delivered cells in a setting
where interaction with infl amed or injured tissue is necessary.
10.3 Conclusion
The development of standardized protocols for the harvesting and isolation of ASCs
from adipose tissue has become critical in the rapidly expanding fi eld of regenera-
tive medicine. Researchers rely on accurate comparisons between groups to advance
the fi eld into clinical application. Many factors can however infl uence the behavior
as well as the yield of ASCs and need to be considered. The Coleman technique,
applied during routine liposuction procedures for harvesting of abdominal adipose
tissue, is currently recommended. Further investigation with regard to post-
harvesting processing techniques as well as culturing requirements is necessary to
optimize these standardized protocols.
Current recommendations that will support optimal ASC yield, proliferation, and
plasticity include (1) harvesting of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue using the
Coleman technique associated with dry needle aspiration, collecting virgin lipoaspi-
rate; (2) reducing trauma to the cells by decanting the lipoaspirate rather than eject-
ing or pipetting the tissue samples, reducing unnecessary mechanical pressure on
the ASCs; and (3) using low centrifugal forces for short intervals during the isola-
tion process.
Careful planning is required for clinical application. Various factors need to be
taken into consideration and these include (1) the anatomical location, (2) the donor
and the recipient (autologous or allogeneic), (3) the donor’s age and gender, (4) the
tissue-harvesting technique, (5) cell isolation procedures, (6) maintenance of cells
under good tissue manufacturing practices, (7) possible cellular manipulations, and
(8) mode of transplantation. The success of clinical applications will depend on the
unity of a team of surgeons, physicians, scientists, and technicians.
10 Harvesting and Collection of Adipose Tissue for the Isolation...