Abstract
Electrospun scaffolds serve as promising substrates for tissue repair due to their nanofibrous architecture and amenability to tailoring of chemical composition. In this study, the regenerative potential of a microporous electrospun scaffold pre-seeded with dermal fibroblasts was evaluated. Previously we reported that a 70% collagen I and 30% poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) electrospun scaffold (70:30 col/PCL) containing 160 μm diameter pores had favorable mechanical properties, supported fibroblast infiltration and subsequent cell-mediated deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and promoted more rapid and effective in vivo skin regeneration when compared to scaffolds lacking micropores. In the current study we tested the hypothesis that the efficacy of the 70:30 col/PCL microporous scaffolds could be further enhanced by seeding scaffolds with dermal fibroblasts prior to implantation into skin wounds. To address this hypothesis, a Fischer 344 (F344) rat syngeneic model was employed. In vitro studies showed that dermal fibroblasts isolated from F344 rat skin were able to adhere and proliferate on 70:30 col/PCL microporous scaffolds, and the cells also filled the 160 μm pores with native ECM proteins such as collagen I and fibronectin. Additionally, scaffolds seeded with F344 fibroblasts exhibited a low rate of contraction (~14%) over a 21 day time frame. To assess regenerative potential, scaffolds with or without seeded F344 dermal fibroblasts were implanted into full thickness, critical size defects created in F344 hosts. Specifically, we compared: microporous scaffolds containing fibroblasts seeded for 4 days; scaffolds containing fibroblasts seeded for only 1 day; acellular microporous scaffolds; and a sham wound (no scaffold). Scaffolds containing fibroblasts seeded for 4 days had the best response of all treatment groups with respect to accelerated wound healing, a more normal-appearing dermal matrix structure, and hair follicle regeneration. Collectively these results suggest that microporous electrospun scaffolds pre-seeded with fibroblasts promote greater wound-healing than acellular scaffolds.
Highlights
Skin tissue performs numerous functions such as defense against invading pathogens, protection from physical insults, storage of water and lipids, and touch and pain sensation
Electrospun scaffolds have a high surface to volume ratio, which promotes cell adhesion, interconnected pores that facilitate nutrient transport and waste removal, and nanofibers that resemble native extracellular matrix (ECM) [24,25]
To determine whether cells were able to adhere to, and survive on, the scaffolds, we performed live/dead cell staining on scaffolds cultured with Fischer 344 (F344) fibroblasts for 1, 4, 7, or 14 days
Summary
Skin tissue performs numerous functions such as defense against invading pathogens, protection from physical insults, storage of water and lipids, and touch and pain sensation. Alternative therapies include allografts and xenografts, but these have limitations such as graft contraction, weak mechanical properties, rejection, and scar formation [1,2,3,4]. For these reasons, numerous groups are engineering graft materials that can substitute for current therapies [5,6]. Many groups combine natural and synthetic materials to create scaffolds that have cell instructive biochemical elements as well as suitable mechanical properties. Electrospun scaffolds have a high surface to volume ratio, which promotes cell adhesion, interconnected pores that facilitate nutrient transport and waste removal, and nanofibers that resemble native ECM [24,25]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
