In Vitro MSC Characterization of Cryopreserved Adipose Stromal Cells Processed via Uvence Workflow

Adipose tissue is an abundant and clinically accessible source of stromal cells. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and nanofat have been widely investigated for their regenerative potential; however, commercial systems vary considerably in yield, viability, and regulatory oversight. Most devices report fresh results only, with limited validation following cryopreservation. Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue have also attracted attention due to their accessibility, immunomodulatory effects, and multipotent differentiation capacity. Uvence has developed a proprietary workflow for adipose tissue processing that integrates washing, cryopreservation, thawing, and emulsification within a Human Tissue Authority-regulated laboratory. The process includes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Annex 1-aligned environmental monitoring and independent quality control (QC) testing. Critically, this workflow validates postthaw cell viability, addressing a gap in current SVF/nanofat approaches. Three cryopreserved donor samples demonstrated a mean postthaw viability of ∼91% (range 90.5–92%), consistently exceeding the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS)/ International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) 70% threshold. Benchmarking against global systems showed Uvence postthaw viability to be equivalent to or higher than fresh outcomes reported for enzymatic platforms (Celution, 85–91%; InGeneron, 86%) and mechanical platforms (Lipocube, Tulip, ∼96%). Unlike competitor devices, Uvence has validated freeze—thaw performance, providing a stable and compliant platform. This study also presents in vitro culture and characterization of stromal cells expanded from Uvence nanofat-derived SVF samples, including flow cytometry, morphology, and trilineage differentiation. Flow cytometry confirmed high expression of CD73, CD90, and CD105, with minimal expression of CD34/CD45, consistent with the ISCT criteria. While these findings are limited to research characterization and do not constitute approval for therapeutic use, they demonstrate that the Uvence workflow delivers a quality-focused approach to adipose tissue processing. Impact Statement This study defines a standardized workflow for the preparation and postthaw validation of adipose-derived stromal cells using the Uvence nanofat workflow. By integrating washing, cryopreservation, thawing, and emulsification within a controlled research framework, the method delivers consistently high cell viability and quality after storage. It addresses a critical gap in current tissue-engineering practice, where postthaw validation of stromal vascular fraction products is rarely reported. The results highlight how standardized, compliance-aligned adipose-tissue processing can support robust in vitro characterization of stromal cell populations and provide a foundation for future translational research in regenerative medicine.