Microencapsulated nerve growth factor-expressing NIH3T3 cells-incorporated tissue engineering skin: a preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Developing effective carriers for gene transfection is crucial for improving bioengineered dermis.
• Combining microencapsulation with gene transfection offers a novel approach for enhanced dermal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using microencapsulation for delivering gene transfection products to enhance bioengineered dermis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of microencapsulated NIH3T3-NGF cells in promoting skin cell proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Main Methods:

• NIH3T3 cells were genetically modified with recombinant nerve growth factor (pcDNA3.1+/NGF).
• NIH3T3-NGF cells were encapsulated in alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate microspheres.
• NGF release, cell proliferation (keratinocytes, fibroblasts), hydroxyproline content, and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation were assessed in vitro and in engineered skin models.

Main Results:

• Microencapsulated NIH3T3-NGF cells sustained NGF release for approximately six weeks.
• Significant promotion of keratinocyte proliferation and fibroblast collagen synthesis (hydroxyproline) was observed (approximately threefold increase).
• Fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation efficiency doubled, leading to thicker dermis and increased collagen synthesis in bioengineered skin.

Conclusions:

• Microencapsulated NIH3T3-NGF cells effectively enhance the performance of bioengineered dermis.
• This approach holds potential for delivering other cytokines to treat localized wound areas and improve skin regeneration.