Enzymatic Isolation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The retention and survival of transplanted fat tissue in autologous fat transplantation are unpredictable due to partial necrosis and resorption, with existing methods failing to effectively preserve and enrich adipose-derived stem cells for improved graft viability.

Innovation Solution

An enzymatic mixture containing type I and type II collagenase, along with divalent cations like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, is used to isolate a stem cell-enriched stromal vascular fraction from lipoaspirate, enhancing the isolation and enrichment of adipose-derived stem cells for improved graft stability and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If autologous fat transplantation is performed using conventional harvesting methods, then fat tissue can be transplanted, but graft survival rate is low due to partial necrosis and resorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraft survival rateVSAvoidfat harvesting process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing stem cells from the adipose tissue before transplantation. This separation allows the stem cells to be concentrated and transferred into the fat graft, enhancing its survival capability without requiring complex modification of the harvesting process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an enzymatic cocktail as an intermediary substance to digest the adipose tissue and release the SVF. This enzymatic mediator enables the extraction of stem cells without direct mechanical damage to the cells, improving their viability for transplantation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If stem cells are isolated from adipose tissue using conventional methods, then stem cells can be obtained, but cell viability is reduced due to damage during liposuction and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestem cell viabilityVSAvoidisolation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces harsh mechanical processing methods with enzymatic digestion using a specialized cocktail. This substitution allows stem cells to be released from the adipose tissue matrix through chemical breakdown rather than mechanical force, significantly reducing cell damage and maintaining viability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the enzymatic isolation process including enzyme concentrations, incubation temperature, pH levels, and digestion time. By carefully controlling these parameters, the method maximizes stem cell release while minimizing cell damage and maintaining high viability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If fat grafts are transplanted without stem cell enrichment, then the procedure is simpler, but graft longevity is limited to approximately six months

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraft longevityVSAvoidpreprocessing procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary enrichment of the fat graft with concentrated stem cells from the SVF before transplantation. This advance preparation ensures that the graft contains a high density of viable stem cells that will promote long-term survival and integration, extending graft longevity from six months to potentially five years or more

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the adipose tissue with a concentrated suspension of stem cells in the SVF matrix. This composite enhances the regenerative capacity and survival of the graft, transforming it from simple fat tissue into a bioenhanced construct with improved longevity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method significantly increases the stability and longevity of fat grafts from six months to up to five years, improving the success of autologous fat grafting procedures and enabling therapeutic applications in cosmetic, reconstructive, and orthopedic surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention employs an enzymatic mixture that is augmented by the presence of specific divalent cations to isolate that fraction of lipoaspirate more effectively and efficiently. The enzymatic mixture of the present invention may employ a blend of type I and type II collagenase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

The present invention employs an enzymatic mixture that is augmented by the presence of specific divalent cations to isolate that fraction of lipoaspirate more effectively and efficiently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS9956317B2Clinical applications of formulations containing adipose-derived stem cells
Publication Date: 2018.05.01 ANTRIA

AI summary

Methods and kits for producing cellular fractions enriched in adipose derived stem cells. Methods are provided where adipose tissue obtained from liposuction is enzymatically treated using a solution containing collagenase and divalent cations prior to the application of traditional methods of stromal-vascular fraction isolation. The enzymatic solutions may contain collagenase types I and II to a final concentration of about 0.001 mg/ml to 0.010 mg/ml. The divalent cations may be present as calcium, magnesium, and zinc chloride. The final concentration of calcium, magnesium, and zinc may range from about 0.001 to 0.1 micromolar; about 0.005 to 0.5 micromolar; and about 0.0015 to 0.15 micromolar, respectively. The enzymatic solutions may be generated using a kit where the collagenase and divalent components are held in separate containers until just prior to use. The cellular fractions isolated in this manner may be used in autologous fat grafts in therapeutic applications.