Collagen/glycosaminoglycan-based matrices for controlling skin cell responses.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Dermatology

Background:

• The cellular microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM), is crucial for wound healing and tissue regeneration.
• Incorporating ECM components into biomaterials offers a promising strategy to enhance regenerative processes, especially in skin repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-based matrices for enhanced epidermal-dermal regeneration.
• To explore the role of sulfated GAG (sGAG)-containing matrices in in vitro models of skin healing.

Main Methods:

• Investigated 2D coatings, electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, and photo-crosslinked acrylated hyaluronan (HA-AC)/collagen hydrogels.
• Utilized simple and complex in vitro models to assess matrix performance.
• Evaluated the matrices' capacity for growth factor delivery, such as heparin-binding epidermal growth factor like growth factor (HB-EGF).

Main Results:

• Matrices demonstrated regulation of keratinocyte and fibroblast migration and growth.
• Stimulation of melanogenesis in melanocytes from the outer root sheath (ORS) was observed.
• Enhanced epithelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) was noted.

Conclusions:

• Collagen/GAG-based matrices, particularly those with sGAG, show significant potential for improving skin regeneration.
• These bioinspired functional microenvironments effectively support key cellular processes involved in skin repair.
• The matrices' ability to deliver growth factors further underscores their therapeutic potential.