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Published on: May 17, 2021
Design and evaluation of a bilayered dermal/hypodermal 3D model using a biomimetic hydrogel formulation
Carlos Chocarro-Wrona1, Julia López de Andrés1, Pablo Rioboó-Legaspi1
1Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada 18016, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada, University of Granada, Granada 18012, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada 18016, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada 18016, Spain; BioFab i3D, Biofabrication and 3D (bio)printing laboratory, Granada 18016, Spain.
A novel biomimetic hydrogel, ACDHE, mimics skin extracellular matrix (ECM) properties for advanced wound healing. This formulation shows potential for skin tissue engineering applications, offering improved cell growth and mechanical resemblance to natural skin.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Current skin wound treatments have limitations.
- A need exists for wound healing formulations that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical properties of natural skin.
- Biomimetic materials are crucial for advancing skin tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel biomimetic hydrogel formulation for skin tissue engineering.
- To create a formulation that mimics the ECM and mechanical properties of natural skin.
- To investigate the potential of this hydrogel for wound healing applications.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of hydrogels using Agarose-Collagen Type I (AC) combined with Dermatan sulfate (DS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), and Elastin (EL).
- Evaluation of cell viability, hemocompatibility, physicochemical, and mechanical properties.
- Development of a bilayered hydrogel loaded with fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells (ACDHE formulation).
- Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis for microstructure investigation.
Main Results:
- The Ag-Col I-DS-HA-EL (ACDHE) hydrogel formulation exhibited the best in vitro results and acceptable physicochemical properties.
- The ACDHE hydrogel demonstrated mechanical properties close to human native skin and good cytocompatibility.
- ESEM revealed a porous microstructure in the ACDHE hydrogel, supporting cell growth and ECM-like structure production.
Conclusions:
- The developed ACDHE hydrogel shows significant potential for skin tissue engineering.
- This formulation can be utilized as an injectable hydrogel or a bioink for creating cell-laden structures.
- The findings support the advancement of wound healing and skin regeneration strategies.
