Characterization of the Tissue and Stromal Cell Components of Micro-Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection (Micro-SEFFI) for Facial Aging Treatment.

BACKGROUND: New microfat preparations provide material suitable for use as a regenerative filler for different facial areas. To support the development of new robust techniques for regenerative purposes, the cellular content of the sample should be considered. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell components of micro-superficial enhanced fluid fat injection (SEFFI) samples via a technique to harvest re-injectable tissue with minimum manipulation. The results were compared to those obtained from SEFFI samples. METHODS: Microscopy analysis was performed to visualize the tissue structure. Micro-SEFFI samples were also fractionated using Celector,® an innovative non-invasive separation technique, to provide an initial evaluation of sample fluidity and composition. SVFs obtained from SEFFI and micro-SEFFI were studied. Adipose stromal cells (ASCs) were isolated and characterized by proliferation and differentiation capacity assays. RESULTS: Microscopic and quality analyses of micro-SEFFI samples by Celector® confirmed the high fluidity and sample cellular composition in terms of red blood cell contamination, the presence of cell aggregates, and extracellular matrix fragments. ASCs were isolated from adipose tissue harvested using SEFFI and micro-SEFFI systems. These cells were demonstrated to have a good proliferation rate and differentiation potential towards mesenchymal lineages. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sizes and low cellularity observed in micro-SEFFI-derived tissue, we were able to isolate stem cells. This result partially explains the regenerative potential of autologous micro-SEFFI tissue grafts. In addition, using this novel Celector® technology, tissues used for aging treatment were characterized analytically, and the adipose tissue composition was evaluated with no need for extra sample processing.