Maximizing pediatric stem cell harvest: A novel two-step digestion approach for adipose tissue

Figure 6 Histological evaluation of adipose tissue structure at different stages of collagenase digestion. Representative photomicrographs of adipose tissue sections captured at 4 × (left) and 20 × (right) magnifications. A: Undigested adipose tissue showing a well-preserved and compact structure of densely packed, adipocytes with intact morphology and minimal extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption; B: Adipose tissue after the first round of collagenase digestion reveals partial ECM degradation and moderate adipocyte disruption, with some cells retaining morphology and others beginning to dissociate; C: Tissue after the second round of digestion demonstrates substantial structural breakdown, with complete loss of adipocyte integrity and prominent fibrous ECM remnants. This stage reflects advanced digestion and effective decellularization.