Laminin-based skin substitutes in a burn animal model

Abstract

Available treatments for skin regeneration are insufficient for promoting healing. The current study has aimed to produce a cutaneous substitute uniting mesenchymal stem cells, keratinocytes, and a PDLLA biomaterial constructed by electrospinning to use in nude mice. Six groups were tested: (1) only PDLLA; (2) only PDLLA/Lam, a hydrolyzed scaffold with the binding of laminin; (3) PDLLA with cells; (4) PDLLA/Lam with cells (n = 6/group) and (5) animals injured without scaffolds (lesion control group) and (6) healthy control group (n = 4/group). All the animals had 1 cm2 defect performed on their backs, removing all the skin. The biomaterials( or scaffolds) were implanted in the mice for up to 9 days. Part of the defect was taken for histology and another for gene expression. Group 2 presented the best appearance with the softest wound. Gene expression analysis showed a considerable increase of TGFb1 expression, increased VEGF and balance of the BAX/ Bcl-2 ratio for the biomaterial groups when compared to the lesion group. Histological analysis showed well-formed tissue in the groups where the biomaterials and biomaterials plus cells were used. In some animals, in which biomaterials and cells were used, the epidermis was formed throughout the length of the wound. In conclusion, these biomaterials are capable of providing support for the growth of cells, indicating that they can be suitable biomaterials for use in tissue engineering.