Nanostructured Cellulose–Gellan–Xyloglucan–Lysozyme Dressing Seeded with Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Deep Second-Degree Burn Treatment

Abstract

Purpose In deep burns, wound contraction and hypertrophic scar formation can generate functional derangement and debilitation of the affected part. In order to improve the quality of healing in deep second-degree burns, we developed a new treatment in a preclinical model using nanostructured membranes seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods Membranes were obtained by reconstitution of bacterial cellulose (reconstituted membrane [RM]) and produced by a dry-cast process, then RM was incorporated with 10% tamarind xyloglucan plus gellan gum 1:1 and 10% lysozyme (RMGT–LZ) and with 10% gellan gum and 10% lysozyme (RMG–LZ). Membrane hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics were investigated by static/dynamic contact-angle measurements. They were cultivated with MSCs, and cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration capacity was analyzed with MTT assays. Morphological and topographic characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. MSC patterns in flow cytometry and differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes were checked. In vivo assays used RMG–LZ and RMGT–LZ (with and without MSCs) in Rattus norvegicus rats submitted to burn protocol, and histological sections and collagen deposits were analyzed and immunocytochemistry assay performed. Results In vitro results demonstrated carboxyl and amine groups made the membranes moderately hydrophobic and xyloglucan inclusion decreased wettability, favoring MSC adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In vivo, we obtained 40% and 60% reduction in acute/chronic inflammatory infiltrates, 96% decrease in injury area, increased vascular proliferation and collagen deposition, and complete epithelialization after 30 days. MSCs were detected in burned tissue, confirming they had homed and proliferated in vivo. Conclusion Nanostructured cellulose–gellan–xyloglucan–lysozyme dressings, especially when seeded with MSCs, improved deep second-degree burn regeneration.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Burn Wound Management

“…For topical use, ADSCs were often combined with dressings. Allogenic ADSCs can be incorporated in a cellulose membrane to treat second-degree burns [ 46 ] and can also be incorporated in PEG hydrogel [ 68 ] or 5% collagen hydrogel [ 47 ]. Hydrogel and ADSCs in combination were used in full-thickness thermal burns in a rat model and improved wound closure (95% vs. 79% with a saline gauze).…”

Advances in mesenchymal stromal cells and nanomaterials for diabetic wound healing

“…Nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC), usually manufactured from wood, is non‐toxic, biocompatible with humans, and degradable in nature 105–107 . Due to its naturally high affinity for water and strong interactions between cellulose fibres, it can form mucilaginous hydrogels even at low fibre concentrations 106 .…”