Nonwoven-based gelatin/polycaprolactone membrane proves suitability in a preclinical assessment for treatment of soft tissue defects

Tissue Eng Part A. 2014 Jul;20(13-14):1935-47. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2013.0594. Epub 2014 Mar 5.

Abstract

Standard preclinical assessments in vitro often have limitations regarding their transferability to human beings, mainly evoked by their nonhuman and tissue-different/nontissue-specific source. Here, we aimed at employing tissue-authentic simple and complex interactive fibroblast-epithelial cell systems and their in vivo-relevant biomarkers for preclinical in vitro assessment of nonwoven-based gelatin/polycaprolactone membranes (NBMs) for treatment of soft tissue defects. NBMs were composed of electrospun gelatin and polycaprolactone nanofiber nonwovens. Scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with actin/focal contact integrin fluorescence revealed successful adhesion and proper morphogenesis of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, along with cells' derived extracellular matrix deposits. The "feel-good factor" of cells under study on the NBM was substantiated by forming a confluent connective tissue entity, which was concomitant with a stratified epithelial equivalent. Immunohistochemistry proved tissue authenticity over time by abundance of the biomarker vimentin in the connective tissue entity, and chronological increase of keratins KRT1/10 and involucrin expression in epithelial equivalents. Suitability of the novel NBM as wound dressing was evidenced by an almost completion of epithelial wound closure in a pilot mini-pig study, after a surgical intervention-caused gingival dehiscence. In summary, preclinical assessment by tissue-authentic cell systems and the animal pilot study revealed the NBM as an encouraging therapeutic medical device for prospective clinical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bandages
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
  • Gelatin / pharmacology*
  • Gingiva / cytology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / ultrastructure
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Periodontium / cytology
  • Polyesters / pharmacology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / pathology*
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / therapy*
  • Swine
  • Swine, Miniature
  • Vimentin / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Polyesters
  • Vimentin
  • polycaprolactone
  • Gelatin