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Conductivity of a chronic wound model
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Bioelectromagnetics
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study measured the electrical conductivity of dermal equivalent matrices (DEM), an in vitro wound healing model. Conductivity decreased with higher cell density, suggesting DEM is more porous than actual dermis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- The dermal equivalent matrix (DEM) is a recognized in vitro model for studying wound healing.
- Understanding the electrical properties of DEM is crucial for quantifying electric fields that influence cellular proliferation in wound healing models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a method for determining the electrical conductivity of DEM at 100 Hz.
- To investigate the relationship between cell density and conductivity in DEM.
Main Methods:
- A four-electrode technique was employed to measure DEM conductivity.
- DEM samples were fabricated from human foreskin fibroblasts and type I collagen.
- Microscopy was used to measure sample dimensions, and conductivity was determined at 100 Hz.
Main Results:
- Electrical conductivity was found to be inversely proportional to cell density within the DEM.
- Conductivity values ranged from 1.22 S/m (0 cells/mm³) to 0.78 S/m (2.6 x 10⁴ cells/mm³).
- A physical model indicated a relative pore area of 73% and cell volume of 9.0 x 10⁻⁶ mm³.
Conclusions:
- The DEM exhibits significantly higher porosity compared to native dermis.
- This difference in porosity should be considered when using DEM as a model for chronic wound healing.