Autologous cultured keratinocytes on porcine gelatin microbeads effectively heal chronic venous leg ulcers

Abstract

We have established a specific bioreactor microcarrier cell culture system using porcine gelatin microbeads as carriers to produce autologous keratinocytes on a large scale. Moreover, we have shown that autologous keratinocytes can be cultured on porcine collagen pads, thereby forming a single cell layer. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of autologous cultured keratinocytes on microbeads and collagen pads in the treatment of chronic wounds. Fifteen patients with recalcitrant venous leg ulcers were assigned to three groups in a single-center, prospective, uncontrolled study: five underwent a single treatment with keratinocyte monolayers on collagen pads (group 1); another five received a single grafting with keratinocyte-microbeads (group 2); and the last five received multiple, consecutive applications of keratinocyte-microbeads 3 days apart (group 3). All patients were followed for up to 12 weeks. By 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in the initial wound area of 50, 83, and 97 percent in the three groups, respectively. The changes in wound size were statistically significant between the first and third groups (p= 0.0003). Keratinocyte-microbeads proved to be more effective than keratinocyte monolayers on collagen pads when the former were applied every 3 days. Rapid availability within 10-13 days after skin biopsy and easy handling represent particular advantages.

Pancreatic Islet Transplantation Using Vascularised Chambers Containing Nerve Growth Factor Ameliorates Hyperglycaemia in Diabetic Mice

“…In a recent study, diabetic mice transplanted with islets, seeded into collagen IV-coated macroporous gelatin scaffolds into the epididymal fat pad achieved euglycaemia that was maintained for up to 297 days, and showed a normal glucose response when challenged with an IPGTT [Salvay et al, 2008]. Encouraging results have also been shown in clinical trials with the transplantation of autologous keratinocytes seeded into gelatin microbeads in the healing of chronic leg ulcers [Liu et al, 2004]. Our study using Gelitaspon as the scaffold demonstrated islet survival and function in the short term.…”

Adult human articular chondrocytes in a microcarrier‐based culture system: expansion and redifferentiation

“…For example, epidermal and dermal cell-seeded microcarriers enhanced skin healing 14,15 and hepatocyte-seeded microcarriers have been shown to restore liver function in rats. 16 Microcarrier-cultivated porcine chondrocytes implanted into full-thickness porcine cartilage defects outperformed chondrocytes propagated in monolayers.…”

Engineered dermal equivalent tissue in vitro by assembly of microtissue precursors

“…To realize the lTPs, a dynamic cell seeding on gelatine porous microcarriers was used. It has been suggested that the macroporous structure of CultiSpher microcarriers creates a suitable environment for the development of fibroblasts, as the cells within the interior will experience lower shear forces than those encountered with nonporous carriers [19][20][21]. Moreover, fibroblasts proliferating on macroporous gelatine based-microcarriers are able to synthesize a tissue with a dermal-like appearance [15].…”