Evaluation of native and non‐native biomaterials for engineering human skin tissue

Abstract

A variety of human skin models have been developed for applications in regenerative medicine and efficacy studies. Typically, these employ matrix molecules that are derived from non‐human sources along with human cells. Key limitations of such models include a lack of cellular and tissue microenvironment that is representative of human physiology for efficacy studies, as well as the potential for adverse immune responses to animal products for regenerative medicine applications. The use of recombinant extracellular matrix proteins to fabricate tissues can overcome these limitations. We evaluated animal‐ and non‐animal‐derived scaffold proteins and glycosaminoglycans for the design of biomaterials for skin reconstruction in vitro. Screening of proteins from the dermal‐epidermal junction (collagen IV, laminin 5, and fibronectin) demonstrated that certain protein combinations when used as substrates increase the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes compared to the control (no protein). In the investigation of the effect of components from the dermal layer (collagen types I and III, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and dermatan sulfate), the primary influence on the viability of fibroblasts was attributed to the source of type I collagen (rat tail, human, or bovine) used as scaffold. Furthermore, incorporation of dermatan sulfate in the dermal layer led to a reduction in the contraction of tissues compared to the control where the dermal scaffold was composed primarily of collagen type I. This work highlights the influence of the composition of biomaterials on the development of complex reconstructed skin models that are suitable for clinical translation and in vitro safety assessment.

Incorporation of hair follicles in 3D bioprinted models of human skin

“…We hypothesized that, once printed within the dermis, these cells would form spheroids and subsequently be surrounded by the HEKs and HEMs migrating from the epidermal layer, which is printed on top of the dermal layer in a second step. In addition, on the basis of our previous work on the design of the dermal-epidermal junction bioink ( 27 ), we speculated that the presence of collagen IV at the interface of the two layers and as a constituent of the hair follicle bioink would promote the migration of epithelial cells toward the spheroids containing DPCs and HUVECs.…”

“…In this work, we used a pneumatic extrusion-based 3D printing platform. Printing parameters (extrusion pressure, nozzle diameter, and printing velocity) were defined for each individual bioink, based on prior reports and further optimization, to ensure reproducibility of printing (table S1) (26)(27)(28). Using these parameters, we evaluated the viability of bioprinted cells versus manually deposited cells concurrently.…”

An Introduction to Burn Care: The Sequel

“…The material thus allows for massive excision and protection of the excised areas until reharvesting of previously used donor sites is possible: the outer Silastic membrane is removed, and the collagen-created wound bed can be grafted. 58 A variety of different matrices and tissue engineering materials based on similar principles are now available, 59 many of which offer pain relief and protection of the underlying wound bed against external trauma and desiccation or stimulate tissue ingrowth. 60 Some templates can be populated with dermal or epidermal cells to enable a faster and more real-skin-like healing.…”

“…A variety of different matrices and tissue engineering materials based on similar principles are now available, 59 many of which offer pain relief and protection of the underlying wound bed against external trauma and desiccation or stimulate tissue ingrowth 60 . Some templates can be populated with dermal or epidermal cells to enable a faster and more real-skin-like healing 61 .…”

Designing biomimetic scaffolds for skin tissue engineering

“…Protein-based therapies with large sizes and multiple interaction sites can reduce the side effects of small-molecule drugs. 234 Unfortunately, peptide and protein therapeutics face many challenges. First, most protein therapies can be delivered only by off-plant injections.…”