Cryopreservation of lipoaspirates: in vitro measurement of the viability of adipose-derived stem cell and lipid peroxidation

As the storage time of the fat tissue passes by, lipid peroxidation and creation of by-products may take place. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cell viability and functional changes of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the cryopreserved lipoaspirates at different temperatures in accordance with lipid peroxidation. Lipoaspirates acquired from liposuction were divided into four different temperature groups and stored at 4°C, −20°C, −80°C, and −196°C. After isolating ADSC from each sample, gross cell morphology and cell viability were compared with doubling time and colony-forming unit (CFU) formation ability. Acid value, that is, thiobarbituric acid value was measured to assess lipid peroxidation. No viable ADSC was observed in −20°C and −196°C samples for past 1 week and a superior number of the live cells were detected in the 4°C group compared with the −80°C group. However, the persistence of cell division and CFU formation after 1 week was only observed in adipocytes stored at −80°C. Lipid peroxidation mainly occurred at 4°C and −20°C storage samples. If the lipoaspirates were planned to be cryopreserved, it is advised to store at −80°C. However, the number of actually functional ADSCs is very low. Furthermore, even in the cryopreserved status, continuous lipid peroxidation and by-product creation took place, suggesting shorter preservation period as possible in the clinics.