Fat Processing System Isolates Healing Cells for Cancer Drug Delivery
Valentina Coccè, Anna Brini, Aldo Bruno Giannì, Valeria Sordi, Angiola Berenzi, Giulio Alessandri, Carlo Tremolada, Silvia Versari, Antonio Bosetto, Augusto Pessina · Unknown · 2018
Lipogems® device captures stem cells during routine processing
Researchers discovered that the Lipogems® system does more than process fat tissue. During the standard washing procedure, valuable stem cells collect in the device's drain bag. These cells were previously discarded as waste material.
The study used a prototype processor to wash fat tissue samples from adult donors. Scientists found that the drain bag contained not just oil and blood residues but also live, healthy cells. These isolated cells grew easily in the laboratory and showed all the typical features of mesenchymal stromal cells (regenerative cells that support healing).
Isolated cells show genuine stem cell properties
The research team ran multiple tests to confirm these cells were genuine stem cells. The cells displayed the correct surface markers that identify mesenchymal stromal cells. They tested positive for markers like CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD44. They tested negative for blood cell markers, confirming they were not contaminated.
The cells also demonstrated their stem cell nature by:
Growing and multiplying reliably in culture
Forming colonies from single cells
Transforming into both bone cells and fat cells when prompted
These abilities confirm the cells maintain their regenerative potential after isolation.
Cells successfully loaded with cancer-fighting drug paclitaxel
A key finding involved loading these stem cells with paclitaxel, a common chemotherapy drug. The cells absorbed the drug and later released it in amounts that killed cancer cells in laboratory tests. This worked against multiple cancer cell lines.
When researchers placed drug-loaded stem cells near cancer cells, tumor growth stopped. The cells released enough medication to inhibit cancer cell multiplication. This suggests stem cells could serve as living drug delivery vehicles.
No enzymes needed for cell isolation
Traditional methods for extracting stem cells from fat tissue require enzymes to break down the tissue. Enzyme processing raises regulatory concerns and can damage cells. The Lipogems® approach avoids this entirely.
The closed, sterile system uses only mechanical processing and saline washing. No chemicals or enzymes touch the cells. This simplicity improves safety and makes the process easier to standardize for medical use.
Process meets strict manufacturing safety standards
Medical regulators require that cell-based treatments follow good manufacturing practices. The automated, closed-cycle Lipogems® system helps meet these requirements. The prototype processor controlled all movements digitally, ensuring consistent results.
The researchers suggest replacing the standard drain bag with a cell culture chamber. This would create a single device that isolates and grows stem cells in one step. Such a system would maintain the sterile, closed environment regulators prefer.
Future potential for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment
This laboratory study opens two promising directions. First, the isolated cells could support tissue regeneration in patients. Second, they could deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
The researchers note that stem cells from fat tissue offer practical advantages. Fat is abundant in most patients. Harvesting requires only minimally invasive procedures. The cells grow well and maintain their healing properties through multiple generations.
This study was conducted entirely in the laboratory, not in patients. More research will determine whether drug-loaded stem cells work safely and effectively in humans. However, the findings suggest the Lipogems® platform could serve applications beyond its current uses in joint repair and tissue regeneration.
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This summary describes laboratory research on cell isolation and drug delivery. It does not represent an approved treatment for cancer. Patients should discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers.
Source: Coccè et al., Unknown, 2018.
Original Publication
A Nonenzymatic and Automated Closed-Cycle Process for the Isolation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Drug Delivery Applications
Valentina Coccè, Anna Brini, Aldo Bruno Giannì, Valeria Sordi, Angiola Berenzi, Giulio Alessandri, Carlo Tremolada, Silvia Versari, Antonio Bosetto, Augusto Pessina · Unknown · 2018
Adipose tissue represents a valuable source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that can be isolated through minimally invasive procedures. To ensure clinical applicability, isolation methods must comply with good manufacturing practices, ideally avoiding enzymatic treatments. This study evaluated whether the Lipogems® device, which processes lipoaspirate through mechanical microfragmentation and washing without enzymes, yields viable mesenchymal stromal cells in its drain bag waste fluid. Using a prototype Lipogems processor, 25 ml of lipoaspirate was processed under standardized conditions with controlled saline washing. The drain bag fluid, typically discarded as waste containing oil and blood residues, was analyzed for cell content. Results demonstrated that the drain bag contained single isolated cells that could be readily expanded and exhibited characteristic mesenchymal stromal cell markers and properties, including clonogenic capacity. These adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) could be successfully loaded with paclitaxel for potential drug delivery applications. The findings suggest that replacing the drain bag with a cell culture chamber could create an integrated closed-system device capable of isolating and expanding MSCs in a single step without enzymatic treatment, achieving high GMP compliance. This approach could provide MSCs suitable for both regenerative medicine and drug delivery applications while maintaining standardization, safety, and reproducibility required for clinical use.