Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Matrix (SVM): a new paradigm in regenerative medicine

Objective: The conventional method of harvesting the Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue is enzymatic digestion of extracellular matrix (ECM) from the lipoaspirate. This process necessarily affects the viability and potency of the cells, eliminates the majority of pericytes embedded in the fibrous matrix and structural/functional support of ECM. Patients and Methods: Thirteen healthy subjects underwent abdominal liposuction and the aspirates were split into enzyme and mechanical digestion of stromal vascular fraction (E-SVF and M-SVF, respectively). The E-SVF and M-SVF were mixed with the ECM concentrate (buffy coat) to form the “Stromal Vascular Matrix” (SVM). The SVM was then compared to E-SVF and M-SVF. Results: The preparation of SVM using the LipocubeTM mechanical digestion technology results in a source of autologous and minimally manipulated adipose-derived stem cells for use in cosmetic and regenerative medicine procedures. Cell counts, viability assessments, CD antigen expression and gene expression analysis showed that the SVM is an optimal product for therapy. Conclusions: The SVM has a higher regenerative cell potency and provides a greater ECM support compared to common enzymatic digestion methods. In clinical applications, SVM seems to be suitable for suboptimal recipient conditions and skin regeneration purposes.