Adipose Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, and Solid Organ Transplantation and Regeneration

Abstract

In the past years, adipose tissue has spurred a wide interest as a source of adult multipotent stem cells with the potential to change the landscape of regenerative medicine. These adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) are already establishing their effectiveness at improving organ function when delivered for cell therapy. Tissue engineering applications are also progressing at great strides in part due to the unique properties of ASCs. This chapter describes advances in tissue engineering for the production of solid tissues/organs using ASCs as building blocks. It focuses on recent progress achieved for the reconstruction of human adipose tissue as well as new improved skin substitutes. In particular, we will describe how the self-assembly approach of tissue engineering leads to the production of natural soft tissues devoid of exogenous biomaterials. Key considerations pertaining to the engineering of tissues that will sustain long-term regeneration and renewal will also be discussed.