Stem Cell Banking of Adipose Tissue

Purpose of Review Adult stem cells such as adipose tissue derived cells (ASCs) are often preferred for autologous cellular therapies. Nevertheless, their regenerative potential is vulnerable to donor conditions (age and disease status) as well as in vitro culture conditions (contamination, in vitro passaging). These donor- and culture-related variables compromise stem cell efficacy when used to treat and cure various diseases. Cryopreservation of stem cells may solve these problems by offering cryogenic preservation of healthy cells and tissues for future use. Recent Findings Establishment of stem cell banks to preserve tissues and stem cells is growing rapidly. Adipose tissue is a unique therapeutic option for patients in that it can be used not only as a “whole tissue” but also as a source of cells for regenerative medicine applications. Adipose tissue contains the highest number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), called ASCs, per tissue weight. Adipose tissue has gained clinical interest for use in regenerative medicine because it is easily accessible and readily available, contains large numbers of stem cells, and is economical to utilize. However, optimal adipose tissue is not always available for autologous use when needed; therefore, cryopreservation could be an alternative approach to make it available for donors when needed. Stem cell banks have been developed to offer greater flexibility of use of adipose tissue and ASCs for biomedical research and future clinical applications. Summary Adipose tissue is routinely discarded during various surgical procedures and could be cryopreserved as “whole tissue” or as “cells” (i.e., ASCs). Stem cell banks may enhance the safety and efficacy of adipose tissue and ASC use for future cellular therapies. In addition, stem cell banks may make cell-based therapies more effective and economical for patients.