ObjectiveTo prepare human acellular adipose tissue matrix and to evaluate the cellular compatibility so as to explore a suitable bio-derived scaffold for adipose tissue engineering. MethodsThe adipose tissue was harvested from abdominal skin graft of breast cancer patients undergoing radical mastectomy or modified radical mastectomy, and then was treated with a series of decellularization processes including repeated freeze-thaw, enzyme digestion, and organic solvent extraction. The matrix was examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, DAPI fluorescence staining, and scanning electron microscopy to observe the the removal of cells and to analyze its composition of collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin, and microstructure. The 3rd passage human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were co-cultured with acellular adipose tissue matrix and different concentrations of extracted liquid (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%). The cytotoxic effects of the matrix were tested by MTT. The biocompatibility of the matrix was detected by live/dead staining and scanning electron microscopy observation. ResultsThe acellular adipose tissue matrix basically maintains intrinsical morphology. The matrix after acellular treatment consisted of extracellular matrix without any cell components, but there were abundant collagen type I; neither DNA nor lipid residual was detected. Moreover, the collagen was the main component of the matrix which was rich in laminin and fibronectin. At 1, 3, and 5 days after co-cultured with hADSCs, the cytotoxic effect of matrix was grade 0-1. The matrix displayed good cell compatibility and proliferation. ConclusionThe acellular adipose tissue matrix prepared by repeated freeze-thaw, enzyme digestion, and organic solvent extraction method remains abundant extracellular matrix and has good cellular compatibility, so it is expected to be an ideal bio-derived scaffold for adipose tissue engineering.