Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Bone Regeneration

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a versatile and abundant source of mesenchymal progenitors for regenerative medicine, particularly in the context of skeletal repair. Harvested via minimally invasive liposuction, ADSCs combine ease of access with robust proliferative and differentiation capacities across osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. They secrete a diverse array of bioactive molecules—including growth factors, cytokines and extracellular vesicles—that modulate local inflammation, recruit endogenous progenitors and support neovascularisation. In bone tissue engineering, ADSCs are typically delivered either as cell suspensions, organised into spheroids or pre-induced sheets, often in conjunction with three-dimensional scaffolds composed of ceramics, polymers or composite hydrogels. Scaffold properties such as porosity, stiffness and biochemical composition guide ADSC osteogenesis and the formation of a vascularised bone matrix. Preclinical studies have demonstrated regeneration of calvarial, mandibular and long-bone defects in small and large animal models, while early clinical reports indicate safety and efficacy in craniomaxillofacial augmentation and alveolar ridge enhancement. The combination of ADSC paracrine effects, scaffold-mediated mechanical support and controlled presentation of osteoinductive cues has positioned adipose-derived stem cell therapy as a globally significant strategy for reducing reliance on autografts and accelerating bone healing in diverse patient populations.

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Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Bone Regeneration publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in adipose-derived stem cells in bone regeneration across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs): Multipotent mesenchymal cells isolated from fatty tissue, capable of differentiating into bone, cartilage and fat lineages.

Osteogenesis: The biological process of bone formation, involving proliferation of osteoprogenitors and deposition of mineralised matrix.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional structure, often biodegradable, that provides mechanical support and biochemical cues for cell attachment and tissue development.

Hydrogel: A water-swollen polymer network used to encapsulate cells and deliver bioactive factors in tissue engineering.

Extracellular vesicles: Nano- to micro-sized, membrane-bound particles secreted by cells that carry proteins, RNAs and lipids to modulate neighbouring cell behaviour.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, essential for nutrient delivery and integration of engineered tissues.

Osteoinductive: Describing materials or factors that stimulate undifferentiated cells to commit to an osteogenic lineage and form bone.

References

1. Role of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Bone Regeneration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
2. Biomaterials combined with ADSCs for bone tissue engineering: current advances and applications. Regenerative Biomaterials (2023).
3. Adipose-derived stem cell spheroid-laden microbial transglutaminase cross-linked gelatin hydrogel for treating diabetic periodontal wounds and craniofacial defects. Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2023).