University of Wisconsin solution for the xeno-free storage of adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragments.

Adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragments (ad-MVF) are vascularization units for regenerative medicine. We investigated whether University of Wisconsin (UW) solution is suitable for their xeno-free storage. Murine ad-MVF were cultivated for 24 h in 4°C or 20°C UW solution and 20°C endothelial cell growth medium (control). The ad-MVF were seeded onto collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds, which were analyzed in dorsal skinfold chambers by intravital fluorescence microscopy and histology. All implants exhibited microvascular networks on day 14 with the highest functional microvessel density in controls. Ad-MVF cultivation in UW solution at 4°C resulted in an improved scaffold vascularization compared with cultivation at 20°C. UW solution is suitable for the hypothermic storage of ad-MVF.