Tissue engineered artificial skin composed of dermis and epidermis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Dermatology

Background:

• Artificial skin development is crucial for wound healing and skin regeneration.
• Current artificial skin constructs face challenges in mechanical stability and integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a functional artificial skin substitute using a stratified layer of keratinocytes and a type I collagen-based dermal matrix.
• To optimize the composition and culture conditions for the dermal equivalent.
• To enhance the mechanical properties of the artificial skin for surgical application.

Main Methods:

• Primary culture of keratinocytes and fibroblasts within a type I collagen gel.
• Evaluation of gel contraction, cell growth, and optimal collagen concentration (3.0 mg/ml).
• Development of an air-liquid interface culture system for keratinocyte seeding on the dermal equivalent.
• Integration of a histocompatible collagen mesh to reinforce the artificial skin.

Main Results:

• Optimal dermal equivalent behavior was achieved with 3.0 mg/ml collagen and attached gel culture.
• Attached gel culture demonstrated a growth factor effect on cell proliferation during the lag phase.
• Keratinocytes were successfully cultured on the dermal equivalent at an air-liquid interface.
• The reinforced artificial skin with collagen mesh showed improved handling during grafting procedures.

Conclusions:

• A functional artificial skin substitute composed of keratinocytes and a collagen-based dermal matrix was successfully developed.
• The addition of a collagen mesh significantly improved the mechanical integrity of the artificial skin, preventing tearing during suturing.
• The engineered artificial skin was successfully grafted onto rats, indicating its potential for clinical applications in skin reconstruction.