Bioactive Fish Scale Scaffolds with MSCs-Loading for Skin Flap Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Skin flap transplantation is crucial for reconstructive surgery but suffers from low survival rates due to vascular issues and necrosis.
• Existing methods lack effective strategies to overcome ischemic conditions and promote robust tissue integration.
• There is a need for advanced biomaterials that support cell viability and vascularization for improved flap survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel biohybrid scaffold integrating fish scales and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for enhanced skin flap regeneration.
• To investigate the scaffold's ability to support cell proliferation, differentiation, and vascularization.
• To assess the in vivo efficacy of the MSCs-loaded fish scale scaffold in improving skin flap survival rates.

Main Methods:

• Fish scales were processed via decellularization and decalcification to create a biomimetic scaffold preserving collagen and growth factors.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human vascular endothelial cells were cultured on the anisotropic fish scale scaffold.
• In vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the scaffold's impact on inflammation, vascularization, and skin flap survival.

Main Results:

• The fish scale scaffold supported the proliferation and anisotropic alignment of MSCs and endothelial cells.
• The MSCs-loaded scaffold modulated macrophage activity, reducing local inflammation around the flap.
• Significant improvement in skin flap survival rates was observed in the in vivo study.
• The scaffold facilitated cell differentiation along the aligned structures, promoting tissue integration.

Conclusions:

• The biohybrid scaffold derived from fish scales and MSCs demonstrates significant potential for enhancing skin flap survival.
• This novel approach effectively reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration, offering a promising solution for reconstructive surgery.
• The anisotropic nature of the fish scale scaffold plays a key role in guiding cell behavior and improving functional recovery.