335 Mesenchymal stem cells and acellular dermal matrices in wound healing: in vitro study of a combination treatment

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) represent innovative and effective strategies in the setting of wound healing. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of a combination therapy based on the use of both MSCs and ADMs in vitro. Adipose-derived MSCs (ADSC) were plated on 8-mm punch-biopsies of a commercially available ADM (Integra®) and maintained in culture for 3 weeks. Then, conventional histology with hematoxylin-eosin staining, environmental scanning electron microscopy and confocal-laser scanning microscopy were used to obtain imaging of ADSC-seeded ADMs. Collagen autofluorescence was used to quantify collagen production by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), expressed in terms of positive pixels/field, obtained through ImageJ software processing of threedimensional projections from confocal scanning images. ADSCs were efficiently seeded on Integra® and were perfectly incorporated in the pores of the scaffold. ADSCs were also demonstrated to actively proliferate in ADMs. Even more importantly, collagen autofluorescence was efficiently used as a surrogate marker of ECM production. In fact, based on MFI measurements, collagen production turned out to be significantly higher when ADSCs were seeded on ADM rather than in control conditions. In conclusion, our work supports the use of combined therapies based on MSCs and collagenic ADMs. In fact, not only ADSCs can be efficiently seeded on ADMs, but ADMs also seem to enhance their regenerative properties therefore making it a promising therapeutic option for chronic wounds.