Therapeutic Applications for Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering

Purpose of Review The use of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has garnered recent interest for their accessibility and potential utility in wound healing applications. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of developments within the last 5 years regarding therapeutic use of ASCs in wound healing applications. Recent Findings Recent studies have demonstrated that ASCs do not exert the majority of their effects through differentiation, as previously believed. Rather, when they improve healing, it is via secreted factors that promote vascularization and control inflammation. New therapeutic approaches reflect this shift in belief. Summary ASC-based therapies can improve outcomes in the treatment of a variety of wound types. Questions about how to best implement ASCs in the clinical setting remain, and their answers will profoundly influence the utility and availability of ASC-based therapies.