From scars to solutions: Exploring biomaterials for skin graft and tissue engineering in response to burn injury

Abstract

The use of biomaterials in skin graft and tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach for the healing of wound tissue. Burn injuries, characterized by the destruction of skin layers (epidermis, dermis and further deep tissue), give rise to significant challenges in terms of wound healing and tissue regeneration. Biomaterials, ranging from natural polymers to synthetic scaffolds, offer unique properties that can augment the healing process and promote functional recovery of wound. Till date, several biomaterials have been scrutinized for their ability to aid as scaffolds or dressings that mimic the natural extracellular matrix, providing structural support and a conducive microenvironment for cell attachment, proliferation, vascularization and differentiation. The selection of biomaterials depends on factors such as biocompatibility, mechanical support, degradation rates, and ability to release bioactive molecules. Although the use of biomaterials in skin graft and tissue engineering has great potential for improving the healing of burn tissue through the development of biomimetic scaffolds, controlled release systems, and advanced fabrication techniques, still several challenges do exist. Biomaterial-based approaches can address some of the exclusive challenges associated with burn injuries, enabling enhanced wound healing and functional recovery. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the utilization of biomaterials in the context of burn tissue healing and highlights the key challenges associated with burn injuries. It further explores the potential of biomaterials to address these challenges and facilitate effective burn wound healing. The potentiality of advanced technology like 3D skin printing has also been discussed using biopolymer-based bioink. Further research and in-depth investigation in this field is crucial to understand the full potential of biomaterials in tissue engineering in a sustainable way.