Polysaccharide-based skin scaffolds with enhanced mechanical compatibility with native human skin

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Developing artificial skin scaffolds requires matching the complex mechanical properties of native human skin.
• Hydrogels derived from natural polysaccharides offer potential for biocompatible skin substitutes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize process-convenient skin scaffolds using polysaccharides.
• To tune hydrogel mechanical properties to match ex vivo native human skin rheology.
• To evaluate caffeine permeation through the developed scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Custom synthesis of hydrogels using kappa (κ)-carrageenan.
• Oscillatory shear rheology to study mechanical parameters (elastic modulus, strain-softening).
• Diffusion experiments to assess caffeine permeation.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel elastic modulus showed a concentration-dependent relationship with κ-carrageenan.
• Strain-softening behavior was observed and directly proportional to κ-carrageenan concentration.
• Scaffolds demonstrated improved barrier properties and comparable caffeine penetration to commercial models with increasing κ-carrageenan.

Conclusions:

• Kappa (κ)-carrageenan concentration is critical for tuning hydrogel mechanical properties to mimic native skin.
• The developed hydrogel scaffolds show promise as advanced skin models with tunable barrier functions.
• Further exploration of polymeric hydrogel systems is needed for comprehensive rheological matching.