Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold as transplant in repair of skin damage.
Methods: MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of femur of a one-month-old New Zealand rabbit, cultured, and labeled with diamidino-phenyl-indole (DAPI). Porous foam scaffolds were made with PLGA. MSCs of 2 - 3 passages were seeded on the scaffolds. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the growth of the MSCs. Six pieces of skin 2 cm x 2 cm in size were cut from the backs of five 5-month-old new Zealand rabbits and then 4 pieces of MSCs- PLGA scaffolds and 2 pieces of porous foam PLGA scaffolds of the size similar to these of the cut skin were transplanted to the skin wounds. The wound healing was observed. Five days after the operation, samples of newly-grown skin were taken to undergo HE staining, VG staining, and microscopy. Immunofluorescence histochemistry was used to detect the cytokeratin AE1/AE3.
Results: Scanning electron microscopy showed that holes were distributed evenly on the surface of and inside the porous foam PLGA scaffolds Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the MSCs grew well on the porous foam PLGA scaffolds and the number of MSCs increased gradually. Animal experiment showed that with the degradation of the polymer scaffolds the wounds were gradually covered by newly grown skin similar to the normal skin. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed fluorescence positive cells in the stratum corneum and follicles. The wounds transplanted only with porous foam PLGA scaffolds formed new skin too, however, in the dermis of the new skin only thickened fibrous scars and a few follicles were seen.
Conclusion: The compound of MSCs-PLGA polymer is effective in wound healing.