Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improve the Efficacy of Fat Transplantation and Soft Tissue Repair

Soft tissue defect restoration remains a challenge for clinical practice. Adipose tissue appears to be a promising filler due to its abundance and easy access but its use has been limited by atrophy, liquefaction, and necrosis. This study focuses on producing a novel fat composite biomaterial for fat transplantation. Autologous adipose derived stem cells (ASCs), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and adipose granules (AG) were prepared and mixed to make the fat composite for implanting. The ASCs were characterized by cell surface markers CD29 and CD31 as well as their ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells. PRF induced the differentiation of ASCs into adipocytes and osteoblasts and increased the proliferation of ASCs in a dose-dependent fashion. The fat transplantation in rabbits' ears showed that ASCs and PRF were able to individually or synergistically reduce fat absorption, increase fat survival, angiogensis, and remodeling, improving the efficacy and success rate of fat transplantation. This novel fat composite containing ASCs, PRF, and adipose granules is a promising biomaterial for soft tissue defect repair and cosmetic tissue augmentation.