Enhanced neovascularization of dermis substitutes via low-pressure plasma-mediated surface activation

The effect of cold low-pressure plasma treatment on neovascularization of a dermis substitute was evaluated in a mouse model.

Collagen-elastin matrices (Matriderm(®)) were used as scaffolds. Low-pressure argon/hydrogene plasma-treated scaffolds were transplanted into the dorsal skinfold chambers of balb/c mice (group 1, n=10). Untreated scaffolds served as controls (group 2, n=10). Intravital fluorescence microscopy was performed within the border zone of the scaffolds on days 1, 5 and 10. Functional vessel density (FVD), vessel diameter, intervascular distance, microvascular permeability, and leukocyte-endothelium interaction were analyzed.

An increase of FVD associated with a reduction of the intervascular distance was observed. Statistical analysis revealed that the functional vessel density in the border zone of the scaffolds was significantly enhanced in the plasma-treated group compared to controls. For group 1, an increase of FVD from 282±8 cm/cm(2) on days 5 to 315±8 cm/cm(2) on day 10 was observed. Whereas values of 254±7 cm/cm(2) on day 5 and 275±13 cm/cm(2) on day 10 have resulted in group 2 (mean±S.E.M., Student's t-test, p<0.05).

The surface treatment by cold low-pressure plasma intensifies the angiogenesis and accelerates the neovascularization of collagen-elastin matrix.