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Published on: August 16, 2014
High performance injectable PLLA/BG composite microspheres in aging skin regeneration
Zi Lin Li1, Gang Wang2, Yilin Ding3
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, PR China; National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Medical Devices Research & Testing Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
Novel Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) composite microspheres with bioactive glass (BG) enhance skin regeneration. These PLLA/BG microspheres improve fibroblast behavior, boost extracellular matrix production, and promote tissue repair for anti-aging applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Dermatology
Background:
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres are used for skin rejuvenation but can cause inflammation due to hydrophobicity and acidic degradation products.
- Biodegradable polymers integrated with bioactive components offer potential for improved biocompatibility and active tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer novel Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and bioactive glass (BG) composite microspheres.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of PLLA/BG composite microspheres in promoting skin regeneration and rejuvenation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLLA/BG composite microspheres.
- In vitro assessment of human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) behavior, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression, and macrophage polarization.
- In vivo evaluation in a wrinkle-induced mouse model, assessing wrinkle formation, ECM deposition, and angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- PLLA/BG microspheres significantly enhanced HFF biological behaviors and upregulated critical ECM proteins.
- The microspheres promoted a pro-regenerative response by increasing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and PDZ and LIM domain 5 (PDLIM5) expression.
- In vivo studies showed PLLA/BG microspheres suppressed wrinkles, increased ECM deposition, and stimulated new blood vessel formation.
Conclusions:
- PLLA/BG composite microspheres demonstrate potent biomimetic properties, enhancing cellular activities and tissue repair.
- These novel microspheres effectively modulate the skin microenvironment, offering a promising strategy for rejuvenating aging skin.
- The integration of BG into PLLA microspheres overcomes inherent material limitations, leading to improved biocompatibility and regenerative potential.
