Dynamically Responsive Scaffolds from Microfluidic 3D Printing for Skin Flap Regeneration.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Biological scaffolds are crucial for skin flap regeneration but often lack sufficient vascularization and dynamic responsiveness.
• Current limitations hinder the practical application of scaffolds in promoting effective skin flap survival and healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, dynamically responsive scaffold for enhanced skin flap regeneration.
• To investigate the potential of MXene-incorporated hollow fibrous (MX-HF) scaffolds for promoting vascularization and healing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microfluidic-assisted 3D printing to create MXene-incorporated hollow fibrous (MX-HF) scaffolds.
• Incorporated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for controlled delivery and leveraged MXene's photothermal and poly(NIPAM)'s temperature-responsive properties.
• Evaluated scaffold performance in vitro for cell penetration and proangiogenic effects, and in vivo for skin flap survival.

Main Results:

• The MX-HF scaffolds exhibited near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive shrinkage/swelling, facilitating cell penetration.
• NIR-responsive VEGF@MX-HF scaffolds promoted endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.
• In vivo studies demonstrated improved skin flap survival, enhanced angiogenesis, reduced inflammation, and attenuated apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• Dynamically responsive MX-HF scaffolds show significant potential for promoting vascularization and skin flap regeneration.
• The NIR-responsive nature and controlled VEGF delivery offer a promising strategy for tissue engineering applications.
• These scaffolds represent a viable candidate for clinical translation in random skin flap regeneration.