Injectable adipose-derived matrix film fragments for soft tissue filling: effects of dilution on retention and vascularization

Abstract

Aim: To compare four dilution ratios of injectable adipose-derived matrix film fragments (I-ADF) and identify the optimal overall dilution ratio based on qualitative extrusion, volume retention, adipose tissue formation, and vascularization.

Methods: Cryopreserved ADF was cut into fragments and mixed with 0.9% saline at 1:5, 1:7.5, 1:10, or 1:15 (w/v). Forty female nude mice were randomly allocated to four formulation groups (n = 10/group), with five animals per group assigned to each terminal time point (weeks 4 and 12). Qualitative extrusion through a 17-gauge needle, implant volume retention, peripheral and central adipose tissue formation, and total and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-associated vessel densities were evaluated.

Results: All formulations passed through the needle. The 1:5 and 1:7.5 formulations produced more continuous and visually homogeneous extrudates than the more dilute formulations. At week 12, volume retention was 86.86% ± 3.65% for 1:5 and 88.26% ± 3.98% for 1:7.5, compared with 50.44% ± 6.22% for 1:10 and 41.78% ± 10.52% for 1:15. Peripheral adipose tissue formation was similar among groups. The 1:7.5 formulation showed the greatest central adipose-like area on Masson’s trichrome staining (60.50% ± 6.31%) and the greatest central Perilipin-positive area (59.94% ± 4.28%); for both endpoints, P < 0.001 vs. the other formulations. The 1:7.5 group also had the highest mean central α-SMA-associated vessel density.

Conclusion: Among the four formulations tested, I-ADF-1:7.5 emerged as the optimal overall dilution ratio under the present experimental conditions in this nude mouse model and warrants further controlled preclinical evaluation.

Keywords

Adipose-derived matrix film / injectable filling / adipose tissue regeneration / angiogenesis / adipose-derived extracellular matrix

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