Abstract

Stem cells offer an interesting tool for tissue engineering, but the clinical applications are limited by donor-site morbidity and low cell number upon harvest. Recent studies have identified an abundant source of stem cells in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) present in adipose tissue are able to differentiate to several lineages and express multiple growth factors, which makes them suitable for clinical application. Buccal fat pad (BFP), an adipose-encapsulated mass found in the oral cavity, could represent an easy access source for dentists and oral surgeons. The stromal vascular fraction obtained from fresh BFP-derived adipose tissue and passaged ASCs were analyzed to detect and quantify the percentage of ASCs in this tissue. Here we show that BFP contains a population of stem cells that share a similar phenotype with ASCs from abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue, and are also able to differentiate into the chondrogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic lineage. These results define BFP as a new, rich, and accessible source of ASCs for tissue engineering purposes.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.