Conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells: Towards skin tissue engineering and wound healing

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising tool in regenerative medicine, particularly in skin tissue engineering and wound healing. Their paracrine activity, mediated by the secretion of bioactive molecules into conditioned medium (CM), has attracted significant attention as a cell-free therapeutic alternative. This review comprehensively examines the role of MSC-derived CM in promoting skin regeneration and wound repair. We discuss the key components of CM - growth factors, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and miRNAs - that collectively modulate inflammation, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Furthermore, we highlight the mechanisms by which CM enhances epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and scar reduction. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of MSC-CM in treating acute and chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and burns, are critically evaluated. Challenges related to standardization, scalability, and regulatory approval are also addressed. This review underscores the potential of MSC-CM as a transformative approach in skin tissue engineering and wound healing, while calling for further research to optimize its therapeutic application.