Objective To find a kind of simple and effective method for purifying and label ing stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs) so as to provide a theoretical basis for cl inical application of SVFs. Methods The subcutaneous adi pose tissue were harvested form volunteers. The adi pose tissue was digested with 0.065%, 0.125%, and 0.185% type I collagenase,respectively. SVFs were harvested after digestion and counted. After trypan blue staining, the rate of viable cells was observed. SVFs was labeled by 1, 1’-dioctadecyl-3, 3, 3’, 3’-2-tetramethy-lindocyanine perchlorate (DiI). The fluorescent label ing and growth was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Results The number of SVFs was (138.68 ± 11.64) × 104, (183.80 ± 10.16) × 104, and (293.07 ± 8.31) × 104 in 0.065% group, 0.125% group, and 0.185% group, respectively, showing significant differences among 3 groups (P lt; 0.01). The rates of viable cells were 91% ± 2%, 90% ± 2%, and 81% ± 2% in 0.065% group, 0.125% group, and 0.185% group, respectively, and it was significantly higher in 0.065% group and 0.125% group than in 0.185% group (P lt; 0.01), but no significant difference was found between 0.065% group and 0.125% group (P=0.881). Inverted fluorescence microscope showed that the cell membranes could be labeled by DiI with intact cell membrane, abundant cytoplasm, and good shape, but nucleus could not labeled. SVFs labeled by DiI could be cultured successfully and maintained a normal form. MTT assay showed that similar curves of the cell growth were observed before and after DiI labeled to SVFs. Conclusion The optimal collagenase concentration for purifying SVFs is 0.125%. DiI is a kind of ideal fluorescent dye for SVFs.
