Skin wound repair: Results of a pre-clinical study to evaluate electropsun collagen–elastin–PCL scaffolds as dermal substitutes. Issue 7 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chong, Cassandra; Wang, Yiwei; Fathi, Ali; Parungao, Roxanne; Maitz, Peter K.; Li, Zhe
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 45:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: 1639
• Page End: 1648
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Electrospinning -- Collagen -- Elastin -- PCL -- Composite scaffold -- Skin tissue engineering -- Burn injury; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2019.04.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

Highlights: Development and characterization of novel collagen–elastin–PCL electrospun scaffolds. Triple-polymer scaffolds promote keratinocytes and fibroblast proliferation. Triple-polymer scaffolds enhance skin tissue integration and early-stage angiogenesis. Abstract: The gold standard treatment for severe burn injuries is autologous skin grafting and the use of commercial dermal substitutes. However, resulting skin tissue following treatment usually displays abnormal morphology and functionality including scarring, skin contracture due to the poor elasticity and strength of existing dermal substitutes. In this study, we have developed a triple-polymer scaffold made of collagen–elastin–polycaprolactone (CEP) composite, aiming to enhance the mechanical properties of the scaffold while retaining its biological properties in promoting cell attachment, proliferation and tissue regeneration. The inclusion of elastin was revealed to decrease the stiffness of the scaffold, while also decreasing hysteresis and increasing elasticity. In mice, electrospun collagen–elastin–PCL scaffolds promoted keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation, tissue integration and accelerated early-stage angiogenesis. Only a mild inflammatory response was observed in the first 2 weeks post-subcutaneous implantation. Our data indicates that the electrospun collagen–elastin–PCL scaffolds could potentially serve as a skin substitute to promote skin cell growth and tissue regeneration after severe burn injury.