Wound Healing Efficacy of Novel Dermal Substitute TissueDerm Graft^® in Full-Thickness Skin Defects

Autologous skin grafting is considered the standard treatment for full-thickness skin defects and provides essential dermal reconstruction to support both functional and aesthetic skin outcomes. However, it has limitations, such as increased donor-site morbidity, suboptimal aesthetic outcomes, thickness mismatches, texture irregularities, and scar contractions. Several dermal substitutes have been developed to overcome these limitations. In the present study, we introduce TissueDerm Graft^®, a novel collagen-based dermal substitute designed to improve both functional and aesthetic outcomes in skin grafting by providing a regular structure that supports dermal tissue regeneration. We compared the properties and efficacy of TissueDerm Graft^® with those of bovine acellular dermal matrix (Matriderm^®). A full-thickness skin defect was induced in minipigs and TissueDerm Graft^® or Matriderm^® were simultaneously transplanted with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG). In the present study, TissueDerm Graft^® exhibited tightly packed and uniform collagen fibers, a consistent pore distribution, and elastin. The full-thickness skin defect model demonstrated favorable wound healing without inducing excessive inflammatory responses or excessive scar formation. Compared with the single implantation of STSG and co-implantation of STSG and Matriderm^®, the co-implantation of STSG and TissueDerm Graft^® improved the visual outcomes. These findings suggest that TissueDerm Graft^® could serve as a promising dermal substitute for skin grafting and skin tissue regeneration.