Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Isolation
At IsletNexus, one of the foundational steps in our regenerative medicine workflow is the isolation of stem cells from human adipose tissue (fat). This process provides a patient-specific, accessible, and ethically favorable source of stem cells for the generation of insulin-producing islet cells.
Why Adipose Tissue?
Adipose tissue is an ideal source of stem cells due to its abundance, minimally invasive collection, and high yield of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells possess the remarkable potential to differentiate into various lineages, including insulin-producing beta-like cells when guided under appropriate conditions.
Our Method at a Glance
Our lab follows a standardized protocol (SOP) developed in-house at SUNY Upstate Medical University:
Preparation & Washing
Fresh adipose tissue is thoroughly washed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to remove blood and debris, and stored at 4°C if immediate processing is not possible.Tissue Sectioning
The tissue is finely chopped into small fragments using sterile scalpels in tissue culture-treated Petri dishes. Mechanical pressure ensures better cell release.Initial Culture
Tissue fragments are immersed in a nutrient-rich DMEM-based medium and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO₂, allowing stem cells to migrate and attach to the dish surface.Cell Growth & Maintenance
After three days, the culture medium is switched to RPMI to support further cell proliferation. Cells are monitored until reaching ~80% confluency.Harvesting & Expansion
Once grown, the cells are gently trypsinized to detach them and then collected by centrifugation. They are resuspended in a cryopreservation medium for storage.Cryopreservation
Cells are stored at -80°C for short-term use or in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for long-term applications.
Quality & Safety
We strictly adhere to sterile techniques throughout the entire process to maintain the viability and purity of the stem cells. pH balance and microscopic monitoring are essential steps we incorporate to ensure optimal cell health and growth.
This stage serves as the entry point for the creation of patient-specific islets—a cornerstone of our mission to advance diabetes therapy through personalized regenerative strategies.
Interested in how we transform these cells into insulin-producing islets? Continue reading in our next section: Stem Cell Differentiation into Islets
