A gelatin/collagen/polycaprolactone scaffold for skin regeneration

A tissue-engineered skin substitute, based on gelatin ("G"), collagen ("C"), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL; "P"), was developed.

G/C/P biocomposites were fabricated by impregnation of lyophilized gelatin/collagen (GC) mats with PCL solutions, followed by solvent evaporation. Two different GC:PCL ratios (1:8 and 1:20) were used.

Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that all G/C/P biocomposites had characteristic melting point of PCL at around 60 °C. Scanning electron microscopy showed that all biocomposites had similar fibrous structures. Good cytocompatibility was present in all G/C/P biocomposites when incubated with primary human epidermal keratinocytes (PHEK), human dermal fibroblasts (PHDF) and human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro. All G/C/P biocomposites exhibited similar cell growth and mechanical characteristics in comparison with C/P biocomposites. G/C/P biocomposites with a lower collagen content showed better cell proliferation than those with a higher collagen content in vitro. Due to reasonable mechanical strength and biocompatibility in vitro, G/C/P with a lower content of collagen and a higher content of PCL (GC_LP_H) was selected for animal wound healing studies. According to our data, a significant promotion in wound healing and skin regeneration could be observed in GC_LP_H seeded with adipose-derived stem cells by Gomori's trichrome staining.

This study may provide an effective and low-cost wound dressings to assist skin regeneration for clinical use.