title: A polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-based bilayered dermal scaffold seeded with adipose tissue-derived stem cells: in vitro assessment of biomechanical properties.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although commercial skin substitutes are widely available, its use remains challenging at surgery and postoperatively. The high cost is also prohibitive. We designed and characterized a scaffold for dermal replacement, using advanced nanocomposite materials, which are known to have unique nanoscale features that enhance cellular behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  A bilayered scaffold was developed using the nanocomposite, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, incorporated into poly(caprolactone-urea)urethane, resulting in a mechanically robust bioabsorbable polymer; forming the inner layer, which was designed with a range of porosities. The removable outer layer contained nanosilver. Tensile testing, surface tension, permeability, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Optimal pore morphology for cellular proliferation was elucidated through adipose tissue-derived stem cell culture and a cell viability assay. All tests were repeated on Integra Dermal Regeneration Template.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The physical construct was easy to handle and clinically applicable. Macroporosity and permeability of scaffolds was demonstrated, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Both tensile strength and surface tension were comparable with skin; outer layer demonstrated hydrophobicity and inner layer showed hydrophilicity. Cell assay confirmed cellular proliferation onto the scaffold, comparable with Integra.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We demonstrate that a porous bilayered dermal scaffold could form the basis of a new generation of skin substitute that is both mechanically robust and harbors the ability for enhancing cell regeneration.
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Reema
authors: R
authors: Chawla
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; UCL Medical School, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Tan
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Maqsood
authors: M
authors: Ahmed
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Crowley
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
authors: Naiem S
authors: NS
authors: Moiemen
authors: Department of Engineering Science, Oxford Centre for Tissue Engineering and Bioprocessing, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors: Zhanfeng
authors: Z
authors: Cui
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Peter E
authors: PE
authors: Butler
authors: UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: a.seifalian@ucl.ac.uk.
authors: Alexander M
authors: AM
authors: Seifalian
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017768:Skin, Artificial; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
keywords: Adipose tissue–derived stem cells (ADSCs); Artificial skin; Dermal substitute; Integra; Nanocomposite; POSS-PCL; POSS-PCU