Cell-Laden Gel Biomimetic Skin Promotes Full-Thickness Skin Wound Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Full-thickness wounds pose challenges for scarless skin regeneration and appendage recovery.
• Conventional treatments risk pain, infection, and abnormal scarring, failing to mimic native skin's microenvironment.
• Existing collagen scaffolds lack dynamic, cell-instructive properties crucial for functional skin reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic multilayer composite scaffold for hierarchical regeneration of full-thickness skin defects.
• To investigate the efficacy of the proposed scaffold in promoting scarless healing and appendage regeneration.
• To overcome limitations of current skin substitutes in cell integration and dermo-epidermal junction reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a bionic skin scaffold (AM-FCG-EpiSCs) combining decellularized amniotic membrane matrix (AM), fibroblast-laden collagen gel (FCG), and epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs).
• Evaluated the scaffold's performance in a full-thickness wound model.
• Compared healing outcomes and appendage regeneration with conventional Moropicin ointment treatment.

Main Results:

• The AM-FCG-EpiSCs scaffold facilitated faster wound healing compared to Moropicin ointment.
• Regeneration of skin appendages, including hair follicles, was observed without scarring.
• The biomimetic structure supported dynamic cell interactions and regulated the microenvironment, improving regenerative efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The developed biomimetic scaffold effectively addresses scar suppression and functional restoration in full-thickness skin regeneration.
• This innovative approach shows potential for translational medicine in treating severe skin injuries.
• The AM-FCG-EpiSCs system offers a superior alternative to traditional wound healing methods, promoting true skin regeneration.