Work

162. Establishment Of Protocol To Enable On-Site Cryopreservation Of Fat For Repeat Procedures

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Autologous fat transfer is an effective treatment for soft tissue reconstruction. The main challenge is that on average, 56% of the graft volume takes; this necessitates repeat procedures. Therefore, preserving harvested tissue on-site for future injections is a clinical need. This study investigates different cryopreservation methods and applies the best results for a clinically usable device. METHODS: Different cryoprotectant combinations, freezing temperatures, and conditions were tested, and the outcome of the cryopreservation was assessed by measuring cell viability using trypan blue and Calcin-Am staining two days post-freezing.In vitro validation of optimized conditions was tested for up to 3 months. For in-vivo testing, Nu/Nu athymic mice were used, and human fat cryopreserved for seven days, 21 days, three months, or 11 months was compared to fresh fat for graft weight and volume retention, histology, vacuole formation, and inflammation at nine weeks post grafting. At +4 degrees celsius for three months, stored combination compared to fresh. RESULTS: A combination of 10% DMSO and 2% human serum albumin at -80 degrees celsius provided optimum cryopreservation. We observed no significant differences in the cell viability of cryopreserved fat for up to 3 months compared to the fresh fat. Cryopreserved fat grafts showed weight, volume retention, histological morphology, vacuole formation, and inflammation comparable to fresh fat grafts. The cryopreservation solution was stable during storage. CONCLUSION: The result of this study will enable the development of devices with clinically compatible appendages and a defined protocol for clinical use for long cryopreservation of fat tissue at -80 degrees celsius within a closed system.

Source: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open

DOI: 10.1097/01.gox.0000938228.40514.bb