In Vivo Comparison of Synthetic Macroporous Filamentous and Sponge-like Skin Substitute Matrices Reveals Morphometric Features of the Foreign Body Reaction According to 3D Biomaterial Designs

Abstract

Synthetic macroporous biomaterials are widely used in the field of skin tissue engineering to mimic membrane functions of the native dermis. Biomaterial designs can be subclassified with respect to their shape in fibrous designs, namely fibers, meshes or fleeces, respectively, and porous designs, such as sponges and foams. However, synthetic matrices often have limitations regarding unfavorable foreign body responses (FBRs). Severe FBRs can result in unfavorable disintegration and rejection of an implant, whereas mild FBRs can lead to an acceptable integration of a biomaterial. In this context, comparative in vivo studies of different three-dimensional (3D) matrix designs are rare. Especially, the differences regarding FBRs between synthetically derived filamentous fleeces and sponge-like constructs are unknown. In the present study, the FBRs on two 3D matrix designs were explored after 25 days of subcutaneous implantation in a porcine model. Cellular reactions were quantified histopathologically to investigate in which way the FBR is influenced by the biomaterial architecture. Our results show that FBR metrics (polymorph-nucleated cells and fibrotic reactions) were significantly affected according to the matrix designs. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the 3D matrix tissue interactions and can be useful for future developments of synthetically derived skin substitute biomaterials.

Influence of Electrospun Fibre Secondary Morphology on Antibiotic Release Kinetic and Its Impact on Antimicrobic Efficacy

“…Electrospun fibres are known for resembling the nanofibrous ECM structure and are therefore widely used in the tissue engineering field [26]. If compared to polymer films, electrospun fibres also seem to induce the formation of thinner fibrous capsules, reducing scaffold isolation [27,28].…”

Macrophages: From Simple Phagocyte to an Integrative Regulatory Cell for Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration—A Review of the Literature

“…For instance, Barsch et al examined whether inflammation and FBR were significantly influenced by the 3D biomaterial design by comparing filamentous fleece and sponge-like biomaterial in a porcine model. Although no statistically significant difference could be found regarding FBR, the sponge-like synthetics showed a significantly lower inflammatory reaction which was quantified based on the density of polymorph-nucleated cells [210]. A further component of biocompatibility is the degradation of biomaterials and the tissue reaction to the degradation products.…”

Resorbable Biomaterials Used for 3D Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: A Review

“…However, multiple big pores might negatively affect the mechanical stability of the structure, so an adequate balance needs to be found. In addition to crucial scaffold properties, several studies demonstrated that fibrotic capsule was formed around scaffolds with smooth surface [ 216 ].…”