Adipose Tissue Banking
Always at the forefront of stem cell research, processing and cryopreservation, GeneCell International is also one of the few adipose tissue stem cell banks in the world.
Adipose (fat) tissue is a dynamic multi-functional tissue that is found throughout the human body. The stem cells originated from adipose tissue are mesenchymal stem cells which have the ability to differentiate into bone, muscle, fat, nerve, and cartilage. Preliminary research performed at GeneCell International has shown the presence of early stem cells markers as well.
Adipose-derived stem cells are easy to obtain through a simple and localized liposuction process using local anesthesia and with minimal patient discomfort. These autologous adult stem cells show the same morphology, immune phenotype and differentiation capacity as stem cells obtained from bone marrow and umbilical cord blood. They are free of ethical debate and use tissue which is abundant and easy to access. A single sample of adipose tissue can yield more than 200 million stem cells of which 95% are mesenchymal stem cells. These cells appear to be one of the body's tools for self-repair.
Mesenchymal stem cells are capable of performing three important functions with unique abilities:
- Plasticity: their potential to transform into other cell types.
- Honing: they can travel to the damaged tissue.
- Engraftment: their capability to attach themselves to the damaged tissue
Adipose-derived stem cells have the potential to treat a variety of different diseases and conditions that range from breast soft tissue reconstruction after tumor surgery to treatment of brain injuries, stroke, heart failure and more.
Currently, there are several clinical trials using adipose stem cells to treat a variety of disorders, including:
- Traumatic Calvaria (skull-cap) Defects
- Lipodystrophy I
- Myocardial Infarction
- Diabetes Type I
- Diabetes Type II
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Maxillary Reconstruction
- Chron’s Disease
- Chronic Critical Limb Ischemia
- Chronic Critical Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Patients
- Fecal Incontinence
- GVHD
- Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Adipose Tissue Storage
To store our clients’ invaluable stem cells, we use the best scientifically developed techniques in the area of cryopreservation.
First, we use specialized cryogenic tubes. Then, a controlled-rate freezing process is used to prepare the cells for long-term storage. This technique is very important for maintaining the viability of the adipose stem cells and for achieving the subsequent and necessary sustained cryogenic temperature in the cryogenic storage. Once the cells are brought to the optimum temperature, and placed in a cryogenic storage boxes, which then goes into the cryogenic storage tanks.
Once the stem cells are properly and safely stored, you have control over their use and disposal. No stem cells can be released without your consent.
Based on current research, stem cells can be successfully stored for 25 years in a cryopreserving storage. Although not enough years have passed to assert the maximum length of time viable stem cells can be stored with certainty, bone marrow, another similar source of cells, has been successfully stored for decades and has remained viable throughout that time.
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