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Generation of Self-assembled Vascularized Human Skin Equivalents
Published on: February 12, 2021
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Autogenous Biofabrication of Nativelike, Scaffold-Free Human Skin Equivalents Using a Smart, Enzyme-Degradable Tissue
Che J Connon1, Ricardo M Gouveia1
1Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, U.K.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|January 12, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel tissue templating method to create scaffold-free dermal tissue equivalents (SLATEs). These biofabricated tissues mimic natural human dermis in structure, function, and mechanical properties, offering potential for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The development of functional, scaffold-free human skin tissues is crucial for regenerative medicine and clinical applications.
- Existing methods often rely on scaffolds, which can complicate tissue integration and retrieval.
- Biofabrication of complex tissues that mimic native structures remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize tissue templating technology for the biofabrication of large-area, scaffold-free human dermal tissue equivalents.
- To evaluate the structural, compositional, and mechanical properties of these engineered tissues.
- To assess the potential of these dermal equivalents to support the growth of other skin cell types.
Main Methods:
- Human dermal fibroblasts were directed using tissue templating technology to biofabricate dermal tissues.
- The self-lifting capability of the engineered tissues from the template was utilized for retrieval.
- Structural, compositional, and mechanical analyses were performed on the resulting dermal self-lifting autogenous tissue equivalents (SLATEs).
- Keratinocyte growth on SLATEs was assessed to evaluate their capacity for supporting stratified epithelia formation.
Main Results:
- The tissue templating technology successfully produced large-area, scaffold-free dermal equivalents (SLATEs) that emulate natural human dermis.
- SLATEs exhibited a dense collagenous matrix with elastic fibers, comparable mechanical properties (robustness, elastic modulus, resistance to degradation), and self-sustained release from templates.
- These dermal SLATEs served as a substrate for keratinocyte growth, forming stratified epithelia with distinct differentiation layers.
Conclusions:
- Tissue templating technology enables the biofabrication of scaffold-free dermal tissues with native-like structure, composition, and function.
- The developed SLATEs are easily retrievable and possess properties suitable for both clinical and non-clinical applications.
- This approach represents a significant advancement in creating functional human skin tissue equivalents for regenerative medicine.
