Thread Size and Polymer Composition of 3D Printed and Electrospun Wound Dressings Affect Wound Healing Outcomes in an Excisional Wound Rat Model

Abstract

Thread size and polymer composition are critical properties to consider for achieving a positive healing outcome with a wound dressing. Three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds and electrospun mats both offer distinct advantages as replaceable wound dressings. This research aims to determine if the thread size and polymer compositions of the scaffolds affect skin wound healing outcomes, an aspect that has not been adequately explored. Using a modular polymer platform, four polyester direct-write 3D printed scaffolds and electrospun mats were fabricated into wound dressings. The dressings were applied to splinted, full thickness skin wounds in an excisional wound rat model and evaluated against control wounds to which no dressing was applied. Wound closure rates and reduction of the wound bed width were not affected by the thread size or polymer composition. However, epidermal thickness was larger in wounds treated with electrospun dressings and was slightly affected by the polymer composition. Two of the four tested polymer compositions lead to delayed reorganization of granulation tissues. Moreover, enhanced angiogenesis was seen in wounds treated with 3D printed dressings compared to those treated with electrospun dressings. The results from this study can be used to inform the choice of dressing architecture and polymer compositions to achieve positive wound healing outcomes.

3D-Printed Products for Topical Skin Applications: From Personalized Dressings to Drug Delivery

“…Compared to the 3D printed and the control groups, groups treated with electrospun dressing showed an increase in epidermis thickness. On the other hand, 3D printed dressing increased angiogenesis, probably as a result of their larger pore size [96].…”

Recent Advances in Designing Electroconductive Biomaterials for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

“…Regardless of their distinctions, both architectures have shown significant effectiveness in generating functional cardiac tissue construct. [ 48 ] Table 1 summarizes recently developed electroconductive patches designed for cardiac tissue engineering with their fabrication method, reported conductivity and mechanical properties, and the outcome after applying them in vitro and/or in vivo. [ 27a,37,39,42a,43a,45–47,59,94,97–128 ]…”

Experimental Models to Study Skin Wound Healing with a Focus on Angiogenesis

“…The splinted full thickness model was used study the effects of recombinant myxoma virus-derived immune modulator M-T7 [49], of Babassu oil [50], of three-dimensional printed scaffolds and electrospun mats [51], of adult gingival multipotent mensenchymal stem cells [52], of induced pluripotent stem cells clay [53], of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and vascular endothelial growth factor [54], and of renal dysfunction [44] on cutaneous wound healing.…”