Engineered human skin fabricated using electrospun collagen-PCL blends: morphogenesis and mechanical properties

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Collagen scaffolds are widely used for engineered human skin but often lack sufficient mechanical strength.
• Improving scaffold mechanics is crucial for developing functional engineered skin substitutes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the mechanical properties of collagen-based scaffolds for engineered skin fabrication by incorporating poly(caprolactone) (PCL).
• To evaluate the impact of varying PCL concentrations on scaffold microstructure, mechanical strength, and the biological performance of engineered skin.

Main Methods:

• Collagen and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) were blended and fabricated into submicron fibers using electrospinning.
• Acellular scaffolds were characterized for phase distribution and mechanical properties (tensile testing).
• Engineered skin (ES) was created using these scaffolds, and cell stratification, proliferation, and epidermal differentiation were assessed.

Main Results:

• PCL concentrations below 10% resulted in even PCL distribution within the collagen matrix.
• Tensile testing showed significant improvements in strength and stiffness for acellular scaffolds with 10-100% PCL.
• Engineered skin with up to 10% PCL showed no significant negative impact on cell stratification, proliferation, or differentiation.
• The 30% PCL group exhibited reduced mechanical strength in the final engineered skin, attributed to poor epidermal formation and decreased cell viability.

Conclusions:

• Minimal addition of PCL to collagen scaffolds can enhance mechanical properties suitable for engineered skin.
• Increased scaffold strength with higher PCL concentrations did not translate to stronger engineered skin.
• Optimal engineered skin strength relies on a balance between scaffold mechanics, cell viability, and proper epidermal development.