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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Generation of a Three-dimensional Full Thickness Skin Equivalent and Automated Wounding
Published on: February 26, 2015
Extensive traumatic soft tissue loss: reconstruction in severely injured patients using cultured hyaluronan-based
D A Hollander1, C Soranzo, S Falk
1Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Background:
This report demonstrates the potential of two-stage autologous keratodermal grafting as a starting point for noninvasive reconstruction of extensive traumatic soft tissue defects.
Methods:
In three severely injured patients, skin biopsies for cell cultivation were taken. Cultured "neodermis" consisting of cultured autologous fibroblasts grown on biocompatible three-dimensional scaffolds made up of benzyl ester of hyaluronan was grafted on conditioned defect areas. After ingrowth of dermal substitutes, transplantation of cultured autologous keratinocytes on hyaluronan-based laser-perforated membranes was performed. Ten days later, a 0.2-mm thin, 1:6 meshed autograft was overlaid. Clinical follow-up, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings were documented.
Results:
Grafting with cultured autologous fibroblasts revealed a suitable dermal tissue replacement. Epithelialization was evident after transplantation of keratinocytes. Final closure of the defects with "normoelastic" tissue properties was achieved after thin mesh-grafting.
Conclusion:
Preliminary findings with the described method seem to be very promising. As in all fields of tissue engineering, long-term studies and further follow-up are required.
