ObjectiveTo study the feasibility of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) combined with small intestinal submucosa powder (SISP)/chitosan chloride (CSCl)-β-glycerol phosphate disodium (GP)-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) for adipose tissue engineering. MethodshADSCs were isolated from human breast fat with collagenase type I digestion, and the third passage hADSCs were mixed with SISP/CSCl-GP-HEC at a density of 1×106 cells/mL. Twenty-four healthy female nude mice of 5 weeks old were randomly divided into experimental group (n=12) and control group (n=12), and the mice were subcutaneously injected with 1 mL hADSCs+SISP/CSCl-GP-HEC or SISP/CSCl-GP-HEC respectively at the neck. The degradation rate was evaluated by implant volume measurement at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Three mice were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks respectively for general, histological, and immunohistochemical observations. The ability of adipogenesis (Oil O staining), angiopoiesis (CD31), and localized the hADSCs (immunostaining for human Vimentin) were identified. ResultsThe volume of implants of both groups decreased with time, but it was greater in experimental group than the control group, showing significant difference at 8 weeks (t=3.348, P=0.029). The general observation showed that the border of implants was clear with no adhesion at each time point;fat-liked new tissues were observed with capillaries on the surface at 8 weeks in 2 groups. The histological examinations showed that the structure of implants got compact gradually after injection, and SISP gradually degraded with slower degradation speed in experimental group;adipose tissue began to form, and some mature adipose tissue was observed at 8 weeks in the experimental group. The Oil O staining positive area of experimental group was greater than that of the control group at each time point, showing significant difference at 8 weeks (t=3.411, P=0.027). Immunohistochemical staining for Vemintin showed that hADSCs could survive at each time point in the experimental group;angiogenesis was most remarkable at 2 weeks, showing no significant differences in CD31 possitive area between 2 groups (P>0.05), but angiogenesis was more homogeneous in experimental group. ConclusionSISP/CSCl-GP-HEC can use as scaffolds for hADSCs to reconstruct tissue engineered adipose.