3D Printed Bioactive PLGA Dermal Scaffold for Burn Wound Treatment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Burn injuries pose a significant global healthcare and economic burden.
• Current treatments for severe burns have limitations in efficacy and patient outcomes.
• Advanced wound healing materials are crucial for improving patient recovery and reducing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel 3D printed dermal scaffold using bioactive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) for burn wound healing.
• To investigate the biocompatibility and therapeutic potential of these scaffolds in preclinical models.
• To compare the efficacy of the developed scaffolds against a clinical standard for burn wound treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of bioactive brush copolymers of PLGA with PEGylated Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) or hyaluronic acid (HA) via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP).
• Processing of copolymers into filaments using melt-extrusion and 3D printing into porous scaffolds via fused filament fabrication (FFF).
• In vitro cell assays and in vivo studies in murine and porcine models to assess biocompatibility and wound healing efficacy.

Main Results:

• Synthesized copolymers demonstrated good thermal stability suitable for 3D printing.
• 3D printed PLGA scaffolds showed excellent biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo.
• Porcine partial-thickness burn models revealed that scaffolds promoted re-epithelization and reduced inflammation compared to Biobrane.

Conclusions:

• Bioactive PLGA scaffolds fabricated by 3D printing offer a promising approach for burn wound healing.
• These scaffolds facilitate effective wound closure with reduced inflammatory responses.
• The developed material holds significant therapeutic potential for treating burn wounds.