Rejuvenation of Facial Skin by Transplantation of Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Isolated Using a New Type of Clinical-grade Collagenase

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to detect the yield, activity and safety of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) isolated by a new clinical-grade collagenase with a specific process and to validate the efficacy of the method. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the in vitro study, adipose tissue specimens were obtained from women undergoing elective liposuction (n = 5). The SVF was isolated by new clinical-grade collagenase for the experimental group and research-grade collagenase NB4 for the control group. The surface markers of the SVFs isolated by the two collagenases were detected by flow cytometry. The yield, activity and morphology of the SVFs were compared, together with their proliferation, migration and differentiation. Furthermore, we conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the improvement of skin texture after transplantation of autologous SVF isolated by clinical-grade collagenase. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the yield, viability or morphology of the SVFs isolated by the new collagenase and collagenase NB4. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) surface marker expression was consistent between the two products. The differentiation potential of the cells was not different, which was consistent with previously published results. The SVF isolated by the new collagenase had a higher proliferation and migration. After administration of autologous SVF isolated by the new collagenase, the VISIA score improved significantly with regard to wrinkle scores and texture scores. CONCLUSION We concluded that this new type of clinical-grade collagenase can replace current research-grade products without any negative effect on the yield or function of the SVF, which can be applied to antiaging and rejuvenation of facial skin.