Viscoelastic, physical, and bio-degradable properties of dermal scaffolds and related cell behaviour

Biomed Mater. 2016 Sep 2;11(5):055001. doi: 10.1088/1748-6041/11/5/055001.

Abstract

Dermal scaffolds promote healing of debilitating skin injuries caused by burns and chronic skin conditions. Currently available products present disadvantages and therefore, there is still a clinical need for developing new dermal substitutes. This study aimed at comparing the viscoelastic, physical and bio-degradable properties of two dermal scaffolds, the collagen-based and clinically well established Integra(®) and a novel fibrin-based dermal scaffold developed at our laboratory called Smart Matrix(®), to further evaluate our previous published findings that suggested a higher influx of cells, reduced wound contraction and less scarring for Smart Matrix(®) when used in vivo. Rheological results showed that Integra(®) (G' = 313.74 kPa) is mechanically stronger than Smart Matrix(®) (G' = 8.26 kPa), due to the presence of the silicone backing layer in Integra(®). Micro-pores were observed on both dermal scaffolds, although nano-pores as well as densely packed nano-fibres were only observed for Smart Matrix(®). Average surface roughness was higher for Smart Matrix(®) (Sa = 114.776 nm) than for Integra(®) (Sa = 75.565 nm). Both scaffolds possess a highly porous structure (80-90%) and display a range of pore micro-sizes that represent the actual in vivo scenario. In vitro proteolytic bio-degradation suggested that Smart Matrix(®) would degrade faster upon implantation in vivo than Integra(®). For both scaffolds, the enzymatic digestion occurs via bulk degradation. These observed differences could affect cell behaviour on both scaffolds. Our results suggest that fine-tuning of scaffolds' viscoelastic, physical and bio-degradable properties can maximise cell behaviour in terms of attachment, proliferation and infiltration, which are essential for tissue repair.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants*
  • Alginates / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cattle
  • Collagen / chemistry
  • Fibrin / chemistry
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Porosity
  • Pressure
  • Rheology
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin, Artificial*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tendons / pathology
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*
  • Viscosity
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Fibrin
  • Collagen