Application of a Composite Skin Equivalent using Collagen and Acellular Dermal Matrix as the Scaffold in a Mouse Model of Full-thickness Wound

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a composite human skin equivalent for wound healing. Collagen type1 and acellular dermal matrix powder were utilized as the scaffold with dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes for the development of a composite human skin equivalent. Fibroblast maintained the volume of composite skin equivalent and also induced keratinocytes to attach and proliferate on the surface of composite skin equivalent. The composite human skin equivalent had a structure and curvature similar to those of real skin. Balb-C nu/nu mice were used for the evaluation of full-thickness wound healing effect of the composite human skin equivalent. Graft of composite skin equivalent on full-thickness wound promoted re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation at 9 days. Given the average wound-healing time (14 days), the wound in the developed composite skin equivalent healed quickly. The overall results indicated that this three-dimensional composite human skin equivalent can be used to effectively enhance wound healing.