Understanding How Lipogems® Processing Changes Fat Tissue Chemistry

Scientists Examine Molecular Changes in Processed Fat Tissue

Researchers at the University of Miami wanted to understand what happens at the molecular level when fat tissue is processed using the Lipogems® system. They compared regular lipoaspirated fat (fat removed through a gentle suction procedure) with fat that had been processed through the Lipogems® device. This study helps explain why processed fat tissue may work better for healing and regeneration.

Processing Creates a More Active Metabolic Profile

The research team found that Lipogems® processing changes the chemical makeup of fat tissue in meaningful ways. They detected differences in how the tissue handles carbohydrates, nucleotides (building blocks of DNA), fatty acids, and amino acids (building blocks of proteins). These changes suggest the processed tissue becomes more metabolically active. Think of it like preparing ingredients before cooking—the processing step helps "activate" the tissue's natural healing components.

Processed Fat Contains Richer Source of Healing Cells

Previous research has shown that Lipogems®-processed fat is enriched with two important cell types:

• Mesenchymal stromal cells (regenerative cells that can support tissue repair)

• Pericytes (helper cells that wrap around blood vessels and aid healing)

This current study suggests the metabolic changes observed may explain why processed fat tissue provides a more effective source of these adult healing cells compared to unprocessed lipoaspirate material.

No Enzymes or Chemicals Needed for Processing

One important advantage of the Lipogems® system is that it uses only mechanical processing—no enzymes or harsh chemicals. The device works through a two-step process that gently breaks down fat tissue into smaller clusters. It also removes oil and blood residues, leaving behind cleaner tissue. This "minimal manipulation" approach helps avoid regulatory complexity while preserving the tissue's natural healing properties.

Fat Tissue Can Be Safely Stored for Future Use

The researchers also tested different ways to preserve the processed fat tissue. They found that fat tissue can be successfully stored using a common preservation agent called DMSO (a protective solution). When stored with DMSO, the Lipogems® product showed increased amino acid levels. This finding is encouraging because it suggests processed fat could potentially be banked and used at a later time for treatments, giving patients more flexibility in their care.

What This Means for Patients Considering Regenerative Treatment

This laboratory study provides scientific insight into why Lipogems® processing may enhance the healing potential of your own fat tissue. Here are the key takeaways:

• Your own tissue works effectively. The study used human fat samples, confirming that the processing works with real patient tissue.

• Processing improves the tissue. The molecular changes observed suggest that Lipogems® processing creates a more therapeutically active product.

• The method is gentle and natural. No enzymes or chemicals are used—just mechanical processing that preserves your tissue's natural healing abilities.

• Storage options exist. Processed tissue can potentially be preserved for future use.

While this was a laboratory study examining tissue chemistry rather than patient outcomes, it adds to our understanding of how Lipogems® technology works at the molecular level. The findings support the broader body of research showing that micro-fragmented adipose tissue is an effective source of regenerative cells for healing applications. If you are considering Lipogems® treatment, this research helps explain the science behind why using your own processed fat tissue may support your body's natural repair processes.

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Source: Garcia-Contreras et al., None, 2018.