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Double crosslinked HLC-CCS hydrogel tissue engineering scaffold for skin wound healing
Jing Cao1, Pan Wang1, Yannan Liu1
1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech & Biomed Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
This study introduces a novel hydrogel scaffold made from human-like collagen (HLC) and carboxymethylated chitosan (CCS) for skin tissue regeneration. The HLC-CCS hydrogel demonstrates excellent properties and promotes effective skin defect repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Skin defects present significant clinical challenges, necessitating advanced regenerative strategies.
- Hydrogels are promising as scaffolds for engineered skin tissue, mimicking the natural extracellular matrix.
- Developing biocompatible and mechanically robust scaffolds is crucial for effective wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel scaffold for skin defect repair using human-like collagen (HLC) and carboxymethylated chitosan (CCS).
- To compare the properties of the HLC-CCS hydrogel with a gelatin-based hydrogel.
- To assess the efficacy of the HLC-CCS hydrogel in promoting full-thickness skin defect regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Human-like collagen (HLC) was isolated and purified via high-density fermentation of recombinant E. coli BL21.
- A hydrogel was synthesized using HLC and carboxymethylated chitosan (CCS) via enzyme-chemical double cross-linking.
- The HLC-CCS hydrogel was characterized for mechanical properties, porosity, and histocompatibility.
- Full-thickness skin defect repair experiments were conducted to evaluate regenerative capacity.
Main Results:
- The HLC-CCS hydrogel exhibited superior mechanical properties, high porosity, and good histocompatibility compared to gelatin-based hydrogels.
- The developed hydrogel effectively mimicked the human extracellular matrix, providing a suitable environment for cell growth.
- In vivo experiments demonstrated the hydrogel's significant ability to promote skin tissue regeneration in full-thickness defects.
Conclusions:
- The HLC-CCS double-crosslinked hydrogel serves as an effective biomaterial for skin defect repair.
- This novel hydrogel scaffold shows potential as a therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine for skin reconstruction.
- The study highlights the promise of HLC-based materials in developing advanced tissue-engineered skin substitutes.
