Laser‐mediated fixation of collagen‐based scaffolds to dermal wounds

Abstract

Background and Objective: Collagen scaffolds are popular for the reconstitution of dermal equivalents. Usually, these scaffolds are fixed with sutures or staples and in many cases these devices have to be removed in a second procedure. Laser-mediated tissue welding in a wet environment is a potential alternative for collagen scaffold fixation and may be advantageous to suture, staple, and tissue glue fixation. Materials and Methods: Welding was performed with a continuous-wave diode laser system emitting radiation at a wavelength of 968 nm. Tensile strength after fixation to porcine skin and laser parameters were determined in vitro. In vivo, 24 excisional deep partial thickness wounds were created on flanks of two Goettingen mini pigs and covered with collagen scaffolds. These were randomized and fixated with either (1) staples, (2) fibrin glue, or (3) laser-mediated welding. Tissue biopsies for histological analysis were periodically performed and analyzed for wound healing progression, epidermal thickness, and extracellular matrix formation. Results: Biomechanical stability after laser welding was time dependent. A dwell time of up to 10 seconds led to a strong bonding with a tensile strength of more than 30 g. In vivo, the wound healing process was macroscopically comparable in all groups and showed no significant differences. Microscopic analysis determined a more progressed and quicker wound closure in both the laser and staples group compared to the fibrin glue fixated scaffold. Laser-mediated fixation led to a significantly reduced epidermal thickness when compared with stapling or fibrin glue (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Laser tissue welding is a feasible approach for temporary fixation of collagen scaffolds to the wound bed. It improves wound healing properties and may lead to faster wound healing and cosmetically better scarring. Laser tissue welding is thus a very interesting and promising alternative to currently established fixation methods in a single step, no touch procedure

Accelerated Healing of Full-Thickness Wounds by Genipin-Crosslinked Silk Sericin/PVA Scaffolds

“…In this study, we hypothesized that an appropriate sericin delivery system could accelerate the healing of full-thickness wounds. Many formulations of porous scaffolds fabricated from either natural or synthetic materials have been developed for accelerated wound healing [Agrawal and Ray, 2001;Babaeijandaghi et al, 2010;Steinstraesser et al, 2010]. Our previous study reported that sericin blended with PVA formed a three-dimensional scaffold with a fragile structure [Aramwit et al, 2010b].…”

“…Scaffolds can be fabricated using either natural or synthetic materials [Babaeijandaghi et al, 2010;Steinstraesser et al, 2010]. In recent years, scaffolds produced from combinations of natural and synthetic materials have received increasing attention [Mandal et al, 2011;Kundu et al, 2012].…”

Gold Nanorod-Collagen Nanocomposites as Photothermal Nanosolders for Laser Welding of Ruptured Porcine Intestines

“…This likely influenced the variance observed in the ultimate tensile strengths between experiments. 23 The ruptured intestinal tissue had an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 8.40 ± 2.59 kPa while the strength of intact tissue was 26.10 ± 3.75 kPa. The strength of the ruptured intestine treated with the GNR-collagen NC alone (no laser treatment) was 10.02 ± 2.43 kPa, which was not significantly different from that of the ruptured intestine.…”

“…Collagen scaffolds have been previously applied to wounds using laser exposure with improved healing and reduced scarring. 23 Here, we developed GNR-collagen nanocomposites (NCs) for ex vivo laser welding of ruptured porcine intestinal tissue. The mechanical and photothermal properties of these nanocomposites were modulated to optimize LTW while minimizing laser exposure.…”

CdSe-ZnS quantum dots as temperature sensors during thermal coagulation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solder

“…dressings [3], sealing of blood vessels [4,5], and bonding patches on urethral tissue [6], bladder [7] and dura [8]. In the last years, laser tissue welding has gained much attention in eye surgery [9][10][11] as a replacement for suturing.…”