title: Viscoelastic, physical, and bio-degradable properties of dermal scaffolds and related cell behaviour.
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.
authors: RAFT Institute of Plastic Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, HA6 2RN, UK. Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
authors: Vaibhav
authors: V
authors: Sharma
authors: Nimesha
authors: N
authors: Patel
authors: Nupur
authors: N
authors: Kohli
authors: Nivedita
authors: N
authors: Ravindran
authors: Lilian
authors: L
authors: Hook
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Mason
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: García-Gareta
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D002417:Cattle; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry; D005337:Fibrin / Q000737:chemistry; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D016062:Porosity; D011312:Pressure; D012212:Rheology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D017768:Skin, Artificial; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*; D014783:Viscosity; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005337:Fibrin; D003094:Collagen