In situ adipogenesis in fat tissue augmented by collagen scaffold with gelatin microspheres containing basic fibroblast growth factor

In situ adipose tissue regeneration in fat tissue by collagen sponges and gelatin microspheres containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was investigated. A minced collagen sponge scaffold (1 ml) was incorporated with microspheres containing 10 µg bFGF and administered into a defect of rabbit fat tissues. Adipogenesis at the administered site was evaluated histologically. The adipose tissue regeneration induced by the administration of mixed collagen scaffold and microspheres containing bFGF was significantly stronger than that of either collagen scaffold alone or microspheres containing bFGF alone. The histological area of in situ adipogenesis by the mixed collagen scaffold and microspheres containing bFGF was enhanced over time by repeated administration. It is concluded that the repeated administration of collagen scaffold and microspheres containing bFGF is a promising way to achieve adipose tissue regeneration inside inherent fat tissue. This technique might be applicable for the reconstruction of volume contour deformities by trauma or surgical interventions of adipose tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.